GHS Class of 2026 Valedictorian, Joe Schohr, speaks to the crowd and his fellow graduates, challenging them to not hesitate on their futures and to actively go after their goals.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley High School's Class of 2026 turned the page and started a new chapter in their lives, championed by the words of author Dr. Seuss, as they graduated Friday, June 5.

High honors students assisted Principal Rikki-Lee Burresch as she presided over commencement ceremonies. Isabella Bastiani welcomed the crowd, with Yaritza Perez Yahuaca translating the message into Spanish for audience members. Gemma Donati and Bikram Kullar led the flag salute, and Evelina LaBuff sang the national anthem.

Principal Burresch then turned the proceedings over to Salutatorian Valentin Sanchez, who delivered the class history speech.

“Time and time again, our class has proven itself capable of anything, and trust me, I mean anything,” Sanchez said.

High Honors students take up the first rows on both sides of the graduation isles, earning the seats just like their high-grade point averages, ranging from 3.9 to as high as 4.43.

Sanchez reminisced about being evacuated during the Oroville Dam crisis, the tragic changes brought by the Camp Fire and COVID-19 to his classmates, bomb threats and other challenges during the class's high school years. He ended by reflecting on the positive experiences he shared with his classmates during his senior year.

“I’m proud of every single student here, and I know the Class of 2026 will continue to thrive and prove themselves in the years to come,” Sanchez said.

Class Valedictorian Joe Schohr spoke after Sanchez.

Schohr shared an experience from his youth that greatly impacted him: struggling to learn how to tie his shoelaces. He related that challenge to those ahead for him and his classmates. Schohr also touched on the awkward emotions that come with learning and attempting new things as he and his classmates look toward their futures.

“Number one, it’s going to be awkward when you try something new,” Schohr said. “Number two, it’s going to take longer than you think it should, but number three, it will all work out in the end.”

Schohr continued, “I thought that once you graduated, you just knew what you were doing all the time, but the older that I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realized that everyone is still just figuring it out as they go.”

Schohr then recited the theme of the Class of 2026 graduation, a quote from "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss: “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, and you can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”

“Graduates, the awkwardness won’t go away before you move forward. The awkwardness will only go away once you do,” Schohr said.

“Graduates, here is my challenge,” Schohr said. “Don’t wait until it feels natural, don’t wait until you feel fully ready, don’t wait for the awkward part to disappear before you start. Just move anyway.”

High Honors students Isabella Bastiani and Gemma Donati smile after receiving their diplomas.

“The direction is yours, but only if you lace up your shoes and take the first step,” Schohr said in closing.

Scholar athletes, FFA program completers, CTE pathway completers and CSF, Biliteracy and Golden State award recipients were recognized, followed by the official recognition of Valedictorian Joe Schohr with a GPA of 4.43 and Salutatorian Valentin Sanchez Martinez Jr. with a GPA of 4.42.

Principal Burresch continued by recognizing honor students: Shelby Wilson, 3.9; Gwendolyn Freer, 3.9; Jacob Boyan, 3.9; Yulani Romo, 3.9; Isabel Santillan, 3.92; Eli Punzo, 3.92; Natily McClellan, 3.92; Alicia Sage, 3.95; Natalie Corona, 3.94; Ciara Clipse, 3.95; Maya Dake, 3.95; and Jennifer Sallade, 3.95.

High honors students were also recognized: Rual Vasquez, 4.0; Robert Muzzy, 4.0; Renee Mellin, 4.0; Andrea Guillen, 4.02; William Routon, 4.04; Summer Meza, 4.09; Branson Busch, 4.09; Gracie Leishman, 4.1; Juan Casteneda, 4.12; Monet Emmick, 4.12; Aubrey Weber, 4.14; Harjot Bahga, 4.19; Vivian King, 4.21; Tatiana Rivero, 4.21; Evelina LaBuff, 4.27; Bikram Kullar, 4.28; Gemma Donati, 4.36; Isabella Bastiani, 4.28; and Yaritza Perez Yahuaca, 4.40.