Showering thanks on their many supporters and reflecting on lessons learned in life’s unpredictable waves of joy and struggle, Ellison High School’s Class of 2026 celebrated graduation Saturday at the Cadence Bank Center.
Culminating Killeen ISD’s six graduation ceremonies spread across three days, 377 Eagles’ dressed in dark green gowns with vocal family and friend supporters at their back, sang their school song and tossed their caps in the closing frame.
Valedictorian Callie Walker observed that most people stepping across the stage to receive a diploma don’t really know what they are doing next.
Sharing her experience while encouraging her classmates, she suggested that not knowing the future is not only OK, but something to learn from and cherish as a gift.
“I think I can speak for the majority of us when I say we honestly have no clue what we’re doing,” she said, pointing out the temptation to pick a college major based on gut feelings and to change one’s career aspirations every week.
During high school years that continually changed and never slowed down, Walker said “they’ve been exciting, stressful, unforgettable, emotional, chaotic, and sometimes just plain weird,” but all presented opportunities to learn.
“I’m genuinely grateful for all of it,” she said, explaining that a life perfectly ordered and predictable would lack the delight of real friendship and joy.
“I’ve learned that confidence does not always mean having everything figured out, and sometimes the strongest thing you can do is to keep going even when you have no idea what comes next,” she said.
“While we may not know exactly where we’ll end up, we do know this: We made it here. Through every stressful exam, every early morning, every moment we thought we couldn’t keep going... we made it.”
Salutatorian Garland “Trip” Potvin used most of his time to thank a long list of family members, teachers and friends. He mentioned calculus, government, chemistry, band, criminal justice and biology teachers.
“Everyone here is about to start a new adventure,” said Potvin, “and I want to wish all of my classmates the best of luck in whatever path they choose.”
To end, the salutatorian wished the best to Principal David Dominguez, Ellison principal retiring after 16 years leading the school.
Ellison cheer captain Rayven Adkins began the ceremony with a welcome, pointing out the mix of joy and sorrow of reaching an important milestone, while saying goodbye to special friends.
"I would like to congratulate everyone again with some words from Dr. Seuss," she said. "You're off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So ... get on your way."
See KISD photo galleries of the high school graduation ceremonies at www.killeenisd.org/photos