Family Spotlight
We are proud to recognize Brendan Medina as Mountain View’s Class of 2026 Valedictorian. Brendan is a thoughtful student who creates a welcoming space for all. He made the most of his years at Mountain View by participating in orchestra, cross country, and track and field. Brendan’s time working on two radio shows at Horizon Broadcasting has led him to study broadcasting at Washington State University beginning this fall.
Congratulations to Mountain View’s 2026 Salutatorian Hailey Crum. This fall, she will attend the Honors College at Oregon State University to study communications. In recognition of her outstanding academic achievements, she was awarded the prestigious OSU Presidential Scholarship. During her time at Mountain View, Hailey has been a dedicated member of both the Dance Team and Interact Club. Her hard work and positive spirit have made a lasting impact on her school community.
Congratulations to Class of 2026 Valedictorian Lucy Fisher. At La Pine High School, Lucy has been an active member of the track team and National Honor Society while also serving as Class President. She has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where she plans to major in aeronautical engineering. Lucy’s ultimate goal is to become an Air Force pilot.
Help us celebrate La Pine High School Salutatorian Ty Driscoll. Ty will attend Reed College next year, where he plans to major in mathematics. He hopes to pursue a career as a high school teacher or continue his education through graduate studies to become a college professor. Ty was an active member of the National Honor Society and STEM Club, as well as being a teacher’s aide at Rosland Elementary and calculus tutor at La Pine High. Principal Olszewski shared, “Ty is an eminently kind person who is inclusive and believes in the equality of all people.”
Caldera High School is proud to recognize Ligaya Wert. She grew up in Walla Walla, Washington before transferring to Caldera her junior year. Upon her arrival, Ligaya jumped into many co-curricular activities including the DECA Officer Team and girls tennis. Outside of school, she is a member of the Central Oregon Youth Choir and takes tango classes. Next year, Ligaya will attend Oregon State University to study biology and Spanish. Principal Boyd shared, “Ligaya is kind, hardworking, engaged, and always striving to learn as much as possible. Congratulations Ligaya!”
Congratulations to Aerilynn Ruetter. Aerilynn will attend Oregon State University in the fall to study biology with a pre-med track. She balanced a rigorous course load while also finding numerous opportunities to engage in the school community and the broader Central Oregon community. At Caldera, she was part of the girls’ soccer, tennis, and alpine ski teams. She was also an active member in the National Honors Society, and performed with the Youth Choir of Central Oregon. Aerilynn is a compassionate and caring student who strives to grow and learn each and every day.
Caldera High is proud to recognize Zoë Randolph, who will attend Saint Mary’s College of California this fall to study history and law. During her time at Caldera, Zoë participated in multiple sports, clubs, and music programs. As a member of the Caldera High School Band, she served as a Pep Band section leader, participated in festivals, performed in the orchestra pit for musicals, and was a member of the CHS Band at the 2026 State Band Competition. Outside of school, Zoë actively volunteers and gives back to her community. Congratulations, Zoë!
Caldera also celebrates Salutatorian Paisley Waldron. She will attend Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon in the fall. Paisley joined Caldera High School during her sophomore year and quickly found her home in the Wolfpack. She was a varsity athlete in soccer, basketball, and track. She is a Senior Class Representative in Student Government and held a summer internship with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, fueling her interest to study pre-law in the fall. Congratulations, Paisley!
Co-Valedictorian Beatrice Brooke Laird has excelled as a candidate for the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma while also earning her Honors Diploma. This fall, she will attend the University of Colorado Boulder to study aerospace engineering. We congratulate Beatrice on her outstanding achievements and wish her continued success.
Sharing the honor is Co-Valedictorian Nicola Meagan Broadman, who is also a candidate for the full IB Diploma and recipient of an Honors Diploma. Nicola will attend Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where she plans to study government. We are proud of her accomplishments and excited to see all she achieves in the future.
Caps are in the air for Salutatorian Max James Knobbs Chang. Max earned both his Honors Diploma and candidacy for the full IB Diploma through his dedication and academic excellence. He will continue his studies this fall at the University of Texas at Austin, where he plans to double major in Plan II Honors and economics.
Congratulations to Summit High Valedictorian Andrew Winkel. He is committed to Stanford University, where he will study data science. Andrew is most looking forward to the California weather and getting involved in campus life. His main extracurricular activity is speech and debate, in which he was a five-time national qualifier and state champion. He also volunteered at Camp Tamarack and played on Summit's tennis team. Andrew is a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship.
Summit High is proud to recognize this year’s Salutatorian, Keira Schroeder. She is planning to attend the University of Washington to study biology and political science. Keira's goal throughout high school was to take an interest in a wide variety of course offerings and to challenge herself to always be her best. Keira is President of Summit's Environmental Club, a member of the Mock Trial Club, and a competitive dancer outside of school. Keira is connected to this class, and will truly miss the sense of camaraderie with her fellow students.
Bend Tech Academy’s Class of 2026 Valedictorian is Ian Mylne. He has been an active leader at BTA, serving as President of BTA Student Leadership. He has helped organize assemblies, dances, and blood drives while contributing to the BTA Production Team and the school’s first-ever Mock Trial Team. Outside of school, he has played club volleyball with Ajax Volleyball and competed with Summit High School’s men’s volleyball team. Ian plans to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara this fall as a pre-med major.
Congratulations to BTA’s 2026 Salutatorian Dublin Chandler. Dublin has been a dedicated leader and involved member of the BTA community throughout high school. He is a founding member of the BTA Dungeons ’n’ Dragons Club and has been involved in student leadership and BTA Production Team. Through leadership, creativity, and teamwork, Dublin has made a positive impact on his school community and plans to attend either Central Oregon Community College or Oregon Institute of Technology in the fall.
Congratulations to 2026 Realms High School Valedictorian Emma Lundman! She has been taking college courses since her freshman year and will attend Warren Wilson College in North Carolina to study veterinary sciences. Emma loves to go sledding with dogs, despite her sensitivity to cold. Outside of school, she is a competitive Irish dancer and volunteers for the Humane Society. She is a kind, patient, and humble person who leads by example, speaks her mind, works hard and does not take short cuts, connects with students across grades and is a role model for her peers. Emma is a chocolate lover and is adored by Realms staff!
Attending a graduation ceremony? Here’s what you need to know!
- Seating at all ceremonies is on a first-come, first-served basis. Families may bring low-backed chairs and blankets for outdoor ceremonies. Umbrellas and shade tents are prohibited.
- You will find parking, transportation, and designated seating available for ADA needs at all ceremonies. Please look for specific information at your student’s high school. Dogs are not allowed unless they are registered service animals.
- Spanish and American Sign Language interpreters will be provided as needed. Please contact your student’s high school to communicate those needs.
- Spectators may bring water containers. No other refreshment containers or coolers will be allowed at the ceremonies. Our campuses are tobacco, alcohol and substance-free zones.
- Air horns or other noise makers are prohibited during the ceremony. We want every graduate's name to be heard without disruption or interruption.
- In the event of lightning or high AQI levels, the event may be postponed or moved indoors. It is a “game day” decision, which will be made by our administrators using OSAA guidelines. In this event, communication will be sent to families.
Important dates and recognitions - June
- Pride Month
- June 14 - Flag Day
- June 19 - Juneteenth