Overcoming fears and charging through barriers to reach their full potential, the seniors in the Harker Heights High School Class of 2026 are confident, courageous and ready to explore what the world has to offer.
An excitable set of supporters streamed into Cadence Bank Center in Belton bright and early Friday morning, filling seats to near capacity to cheer on 525 Knights, who completed the necessary requirements for graduation and rejoiced accordingly during Harker Heights’ commencement ceremony.
“Fear tells us not to raise our hand because we might sound stupid, (or) not to take the chance because we might fail. Sometimes, the walls around us are not built by circumstance, but by our own fear. But the beautiful thing about the Class of 2026 is that even when we were scared, even when our vision felt blurry, we kept going anyway,” valedictorian Hannah Shin said, referencing a Korean proverb her father would share around the dinner table.
“So, to anyone listening, no matter what stage of life you’re in right now, don’t let fear convince you the walls around you are the whole world. There is so much more beyond them,” Shin said. “Take the risk. Apply for the opportunity. Tell people you love them. Let yourself fail sometimes. Let yourself start again. Be kind, even when it’s hard.”
With so many exams, essays, practices, performances and homework assignments now in the rearview mirror, perhaps the “hardest” part that remained for this group of graduates was getting themselves looking sharp in time for the 9 a.m. start to Friday’s festivities –– a final accomplishment that salutatorian Rebekah Koh made sure to mention.
“I am so incredibly proud of all of us for making it here today –– and especially for not hitting snooze on our alarms this morning,” Koh joked.
Choir president Benjamin Contreras set the jubilant tone with a stirring rendition of the national anthem before senior class president Nanami Threadgill welcomed family, friends, HHHS faculty, and Killeen ISD administrators.
Moving forward with a rugged persistence through struggles and days that weren’t always ideal defined the HHHS Class of 2026, Koh said, noting the importance of a positive attitude in the midst of adversity can carry a person far beyond what they might’ve originally imagined.
“Through hardships, I came to understand the importance of my family’s motto: to focus on what you have, what is possible, and what you can do. So often, we become consumed by what we lack, what seems impossible, or what stands in our way. And while those struggles are real, constantly focusing on them can quietly confine us. It creates barriers before we have even given ourselves the chance to try,” she said.
“I think one of the most important things high school has taught me is that our mindset shapes far more of our future than we realize.”
Judging by all of the smiles and the heartfelt glances up at family and friends in attendance, the hundreds of Knights decked out in black gowns with hints of scarlet were full of pride because they indeed set up themselves for brighter tomorrows.
“When I look into this audience, I see bright eyes filled with potential and incredible talent, people who are capable of changing lives and becoming the kind of people younger versions of ourselves would look up to,” Shin said. “And I can’t wait to see what we all achieve in the next chapter of our lives. Looking back, I realize that even the struggles we wished away shaped who we are today.”
Amid all of the joy, the celebration also had its heartfelt moments of reflection and poignant reminders of life’s ups and downs. Destiny Lee, senior class vice president, encouraged her classmates to chase every dream and had the honor of presenting the Class of 2026 gift –– a breakaway nylon banner to be used at various events that signifies everlasting school spirit, honor and unity.
On the edge of their seats and anxious to fully erupt in merriment, the graduates in the Class of 2026 finally had their chance to toss caps high in the air after singing the alma mater along with senior members of the HHHS choir.
“As we leave high school and step into a completely new chapter of our lives, there will inevitably be moments where we feel uncertain or overwhelmed by what stands in front of us. There may be times when things do not go according to plan,” Koh said. “But I hope that no matter where life takes us, we continue to focus on what we have, what is possible, and what we can do.”
Many more photos can be viewed on KISD's Flickr page: www.killeenisd.org/photos.