MOUNTAIN VIEW — Surrounded by hundreds of loved ones, supporters, and educators, the Liberty High School Class of 2026 reminisced about the past and dreamed about the future Saturday night during a commencement ceremony at the high school gymnasium.
The facility, located about 3 miles outside Mtn. View, is shared by students from both the Mtn. View and Birch Tree communities.
Of the 78 graduating seniors, 38 achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.74 or higher to graduate with honors. Two seniors, David Robert Bradford and Connor James Block, were recognized for their upcoming enlistment into military service.
The class chose the navy carnation as its official flower to match the class colors of navy and orange, and selected OneRepublic’s “I Lived” as the class song. Throughout the evening, speakers thanked family members, friends and faculty for their contributions to student success.
The high school recognized its top 10 academic students: co-valedictorians Navraj Kaur and Jade Acklin, salutatorian Natalie McNew, Parker Tune, Emma Faulkner, Jadeyn Melby, Brady Altermatt, Sarina Cox, Calle Woolsey and Abigail Bushong.
McNew delivered the salutatorian address after an introduction by science department chair Karen Holter, who described her as a dedicated, thoughtful and humble leader with an "unquenchable desire to learn and do well."
Jessica Tune, a teacher in the science department, introduced co-valedictorian Acklin. Acklin, who served as student council president and graduated with 41 college credit hours while participating in athletics, was lauded as a selfless and determined leader.
Co-valedictorian Kaur was introduced by social studies department chair John Collins, who highlighted her achievements both in the classroom and as the head captain of the soccer team. Collins noted that Kaur, the daughter of Punjabi immigrants, is driven by a deep desire to honor her parents' sacrifices.
“But numbers and titles only tell part of the story,” Collins said. “Ask people who know her the best and they will describe her as someone who always knows the right thing to say, because she truly listens and cares and is invested in others.”
Following a senior slideshow featuring childhood photos of the graduates, high school librarian Jessica Gaines delivered the keynote address, offering a humorous yet affectionate send-off to the class.
“To the class of 2026, I don’t have all the magic words to prepare you for your life as adults,” Gaines said. “I could stand here and try to give you advice, but let’s face it, you haven’t listened to most of what I’ve said since seventh grade so why would you start now?”
Gaines closed by telling the audience she was confident in the graduates' futures.
"I’m here to tell you, don’t worry," Gaines said. "I’ve seen them with my own eyes and I hope you are able to see it too. They are going to be just fine. Students, you were never just another name to me. I hope each of you felt seen in this graduation speech. I see you, I’m proud of you, and I love each and every one of you."
