To the YHS and Educational Options graduating class of 2026:
Wow. You actually made it!
I know there were days you didn’t think you’d survive fourth-period math and days we didn’t think we’d survive your shenanigans but here we are. You’re graduating!
This graduation is a little extra special – and a little extra terrifying – for me.
You see, I’m not just watching you all cross the stage as your principal; I’m also watching from the audience as a parent. If you see me crying during the ceremony please assume it’s because my grocery bill finally went down, not because I’m emotional. (Okay, maybe a little bit of both.)
In all seriousness, watching this class grow up through the dual lens of a principal and a parent has been an absolute joy. You brought the energy, the pranks, the school spirit and just the right amount of chaos to keep things interesting. Beyond that you showed incredible resilience and kindness and proved you’re ready for whatever comes next.
As you head out into the “real world,” here are a few final pieces of wisdom from a principal who is currently panicking about parenting an actual adult:
Google doesn’t have all the answers: believe it or not, life doesn’t come with a search bar. Trust your gut, make mistakes and learn how to change a tire.
Be kind to your parents: trust me on this one. We are about to miss you terribly (or turn your bedroom into a home gym, but let’s assume we’ll miss you).
Don’t forget the little guys: when you’re rich and famous remember who let you slide with a warning that one time you were late to class.
Thank you for making Yosemite High and the Educational Option Schools a lot brighter, a lot louder and a lot more fun.
Go out there and crush it. (And please, finally return your library books.)
Congrats to the Class of 2026 – and to my own senior, I love you!
Best,
Jessica Fairbanks, Your Proud
(and slightly relieved) Principal / Parent
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