Family members, friends and faculty braved the humidity and mosquitoes Friday nightm May 22, to cheer on the 84 seniors from Quitman High School who received diplomas during commencement ceremonies held at Bud Moody Stadium.
The ceremony was highlighted by reflections on perseverance, community and the transition into adulthood as students prepared to begin the next stage of their lives.
Salutatorian Elizabeth Roman encouraged classmates to appreciate the present while continuing to move forward through future challenges.
“Take the time to acknowledge your surroundings, because they can change before you know it,” Roman said. “Everyone will follow their own path, and I guarantee there will be struggles … just keep moving forward.”
Valedictorian Sophia Ramirez focused her speech on her parents’ sacrifices after immigrating to the United States nearly 30 years ago.
“I do it for my parents,” Ramirez said. “I work hard so that their sacrifices never go to waste.”
Ramirez, speaking in both English and Spanish, described how her parents worked long hours to provide opportunities for their family and said their determination motivated her academic success.
“Not only am I the proud daughter of two Mexican immigrants,” she said, “I am also the product of their American dream.”
Commencement speaker Blake Hamrick, a 2011 Quitman graduate and current teacher, balanced humor and advice as he reflected on his experiences with the senior class.
“Home is this community,” Hamrick told graduates. “The place where you feel seen, safe and loved.”
Principal Jeffery Tittle said the Class of 2026 was the first group he had served as principal throughout all four years of high school.
“We’ve celebrated victories, overcome challenges, created lifelong memories and watched this group grow into remarkable young adults,” Tittle said.
Tittle also took time to recognize the class’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Graduates earned more than $1.3 million in scholarships and financial aid, including $157,000 provided by local organizations and community members.
Special recognition was also given to graduates entering military service, along with honor graduates and the top 10 students in the class.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Tittle certified the graduates had completed all state and local requirements to receive their diplomas and were now officially alumni of Quitman High School.