Smiles abound as Live Oak High School Graduates make their way to the stage to receive their diplomas. Photo by Seti Long

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - Family members, friends and supporters filled Arostegui Stadium on June 4 as Live Oak High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026.

The ceremony opened with a multilingual welcome in English, Spanish and Punjabi from Teresita Corona, Ivon Diaz Chavez, Mannat Khattra and Valedictorian Ashleen Madare, reflecting the diversity of the graduating class.

Senior Class President Paulina Martinez Pureco addressed her classmates first, reflecting on the relationships she built with teachers, advisers and fellow students during her high school years.

The ceremony also featured speeches from co-salutatorians Esmerelda Diaz and Natalie Contreras.

Valedictorian Ashleen Madare challenges her peers to not be “mediocre”, but rather, exemplary. Photo by Seti Long

Diaz compared the high school experience to a tennis match, noting that success often comes through perseverance rather than perfection.

“You don’t win every set; you don’t return every shot perfectly. Sometimes you fall behind, sometimes you completely lose confidence in your game, but at the end of the day, the match still keeps going and little by little, point by point, you grow and improve,” Diaz said. “Maybe that’s what high school really is ... becoming who you truly are.”

Contreras focused on overcoming perfectionism and accepting that mistakes are part of growth.

“The next chapter of our life will never be perfect, because a perfect life is impossible,” Contreras said. “Each one of us is our own worst critic and we will always find mistakes in everything we do, but if we go through our life only looking for perfection, we will never be happy.”

During the ceremony, retiring Principal Tony Walton was gifted an honorary purple graduation gown and cap, with his last name emblazoned on the back. He shows off his new look to the grads that bestowed the honor and the crowd. Photo by Seti Long

She encouraged her classmates to continue striving for their best while recognizing the value of their accomplishments.

Madare, who earned valedictorian honors and helped lead the Live Oak High School girls wrestling team to three section championships, spoke about resilience and making the most of future opportunities.

“Do not settle at all for being mediocre. Strive to be extraordinary,” Madare said. “We only live one life, so live it to your fullest potential.”

Before concluding her remarks, Madare recognized retiring Principal Tony Walton for his years of service to the school.

Co-Salutatorian Esmerelda Diaz flashes a smile as she equated life to a tennis match, a sport she excelled in during her time in high school. Photo by Seti Long

“Through his leadership, Mr. Walton created a safe space for students to learn, and he always made sure each student was loved and cared for,” she said.

Madare then invited Martinez Pureco, Corona, Jiya Kaur Rai and Contreras to the stage to present Walton with a commemorative purple graduation gown and cap. The gown featured "Walton" embroidered on the back, while the cap displayed the message, "LOHS Loves You."

Live Oak Unified School District Superintendent Matt Gulbrandson also honored Walton's nearly two decades of service.

“Starting day one, what he did do is love on kids,” Gulbrandson said. “Mr. Walton, from that day to today, has given his heart and soul to these kids and this community. We love you, Mr. Walton.”