View additional photos of Saturday’s graduation here.
HUMBOLDT — If Saturday was the last time Savannah Koch sees any of her fellow Humboldt High School graduates, it means “I’ve done something wrong.”
“But leave here today knowing I love you more than you know, and I’m here for you, always,” she quickly added.
Koch and Layne Ellison each addressed their fellow members of Humboldt’s Class of 2026, which is well-poised to tackle the world with gusto, if their list of honors is any indication.
The graduation program listed the various scholarships or other accolades the graduates have earned. Thirty-one of the 37 will receive Humboldt Promise Scholarships, courtesy of the Works Family Foundation, while 17 graduated with a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.
Koch said her classmates showed repeatedly a desire and ability to succeed, even when things didn’t go according to plan.
“This class has certainly made its share of mistakes,” she said. “I’m pretty sure I personally accounted for about 70% of them. But when you make mistakes, please leave a little room for forgiveness.
“The stumbles and the wrong turns are the very things that led us to this moment,” she continued. “I hope you don’t build a life out of a fear of failure. I hope you build on the brave acceptance that you will falter, pared with the knowledge you can prevail.”
Koch and Ellison praised their parents, teachers, staff members, coaches and others who guided the students through the halls of HHS and beyond.
“Thank you for making these four years memorable, and honestly, a lot more bearable,” Ellison said. “And to my friends, you guys made these years funnier, more enjoyable, and overall, just a better experience. From all the memories we made, and the ones we probably shouldn’t talk about, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
“As we leave here tonight, we are all heading in different directions,” he continued. “Some of us are going to college, starting work, and some of us are still figuring it out. And that’s OK. None of us are expected to have everything figured out.”
HUMBOLDT CITY Administrator Cole Herder kept alive a community tradition by giving each of the graduates their own mailbox, a reminder they’ll always have a place to call home in Humboldt.
“In the next few years, you’ll be making decisions,” Herder said. “Pursue your dreams, get an education, start a career. Keep in mind that every time you make a life decision, you can consider whether Humboldt might be a place where you can be.
“Your invitation never expires.”
SEVERAL students were recognized for their work in and out of the classroom.
Darryl Farrill, Mark McCullough and Mason Sterling were presented with watches from the Humboldt Lions Club, in recognition of maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA through high school.
