Valedictorian Mikayla McCuistion addresses the audience.
Published on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 4:40 p.m.
The 83 graduates of Lucerne Valley High School’s Class of 2026 who were conferred at Ron Peavy Field on Thursday, May 21 are now ready for just about anything, said Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe.
“You have a foundation to light the world on fire,” said Rowe, who was the keynote speaker for the event. “In communities like ours, schools are more than buildings, teachers become mentors, role models, advisors, and trusted adults, reminding you that your work matters…. You are ahead in so many ways that you don’t even realize yet: The grit, the perspective, the humility and the work ethic. You have an understanding that many people will not learn until so much later in life.”
Prior to Rowe’s speech, Principal Jason Story welcomed attendees, and the Lucerne Valley Rangers presented the colors as the L.V.H.S. Band performed “The Star Spangled Banner.”
This year’s retirees Vici Miller and Guillermo Betancourt were recognized and given a round of applause for their years service.
Valedictorian Mikayla McCuistion, who was the first student speaker, said, “Today makes the foundation for our future. I’m overwhelmed with a sense of pride.” She thanked the teachers, coaches and administrators calling them “our backbone.” Mikayla also thanked her family for being there for her. But she added, “Life beyond the walls of the classroom will not always be a triumph. There will be days when you feel lost, when doubt creeps in and when you feel you are not enough. There will be moments when the weight feels heavier than anything you’ve ever carried. But remember this. By sitting here now you’ve already gone through so much. We went through many hardships to get to where we are today.”
Salutatorian Kimberly Mondragon, who also is the president of the Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter and two sport athlete, told her classmates that through the good times and bad, “We’ve became better versions of ourselves,” she said. “Success does not always belong to the smartest person in the room. Success belongs to the people who refuse to give up.”
Crystal Mustang Award winner Irvin Angeles, who also had the class’s third highest grade point average, thanked his teachers, coaches and family. “The truth is you can’t escape your own circumstances, but you can write your own way out.... As long as we’re alive, we have infinite chances.”
Before formally accepting the Class of 2026, Lucerne Valley USD Board of Trustees President Jason Hansen said this class is special for many reasons. He noted that they are going into the world as the United States celebrates its 250th year.
“You are graduating in a very special year as our country prepares to turn 250 years old,” he said. “Two hundred and fifty years ago they weren’t worried about light-speed living. You are unique. You have the honor of launching our next 250 years.”
He also commented on the graduates’ core qualities, adaptability, resilience, drive and grit. “Grit is a combination of passion and perseverance, and it's not just about sucking it out or being internally tough. It's about sustaining that toughness despite failures, setbacks, and adversities. Or as you might say, having that dog in you.”
Assistant Principal Jessica Haecker and Office Manager Adriana Barajas presented the diplomas. Afterward, graduate Christian Barajas led his class in the traditional turning of the tassel and Mr. Story gave closing remarks.
See a video of the graduation ceremony HERE.
