The Tarkington High School Class of 2026 celebrated a major milestone Thursday, May 28, as 114 graduates received their diplomas during commencement exercises held in the gymnasium at neighboring Cleveland High School. The graduates earned a total of $306,000 in scholarships.
Leading the class were Valedictorian Moises Cardenas, Salutatorian McKenna Gallien and Historian Chloe Jarvis. The remainder of the Top 10 graduates included Calvin Ellington, Aubrie Ewald, Conner Dawson, Kaylee Hollon, Olivia Proctor, Alison Mathis and Jace Newton.
In addition to their high school diplomas, 13 members of the graduating class earned associate degrees from Lone Star College-Kingwood through dual-credit coursework. Those students were Alison Mathis, Olivia Proctor, Moises Cardenas, McKenna Gallien, Ava Adams, Chloe Jarvis, Riggin Barkley, Daisi-Adison Toro, Conner Dawson, Jace Newton, Calvin Ellington, Kaylee Hollon and Wilmer Guevara.
Superintendent Dr. Elna Davis congratulated the graduates on reaching the milestone and recognized the families, teachers and community members who helped them along the way.
“Graduates, this is your night,” Davis said. “You’ve worked hard, shown resilience, and reached a significant milestone in your life.”
She reminded students that success is rarely achieved alone and thanked the parents, family members, teachers, staff and community supporters who contributed to the graduates’ journeys.
Davis also shared letters written by seventh-grade students to the graduating class. Some offered practical advice, while others expressed admiration for the seniors’ accomplishments.
One student encouraged graduates to enjoy time with family over the summer, while another wrote, “I know this doesn’t mean much from a seventh grader, but I’m proud of everything you’ve done. I’m proud of you.”
Tarkington ISD Board President Lane Gulledge also announced that every member of the graduating class who plans to pursue a vocational certification or college degree will be eligible for a one-time $2,000 scholarship through the Tarkington ISD Education Foundation.
The announcement was met with applause from those in attendance as graduates learned they would receive financial assistance to help continue their education beyond high school. The scholarships reflect the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting Tarkington students as they pursue career training, technical education and college degrees.
During her salutatory address, Gallien reflected on the people who helped shape the graduates’ high school experience and the friendships that made their time at Tarkington memorable.
“Usually graduation speeches try to convince us our class had a perfect four years,” Gallien said. “Let’s be honest, we weren’t perfect. We had our ups and downs and our flaws. However, that’s what made our class special.”
Gallien recalled the shared experiences that united the class, from school traditions and inside jokes to achievements in athletics, academics, fine arts and extracurricular activities.
She encouraged her classmates to define success for themselves rather than measuring it by the recognition of others.
“Success is something you have to define and appreciate for yourself, because it doesn’t look the same for everyone,” Gallien said. “Your effort matters. Your accomplishments matter, even when they’re not immediately recognized.”
Cardenas used his valedictory address to share his personal journey from a shy and sheltered child to a confident student willing to take risks and embrace new opportunities.
After moving to Tarkington as a young student, he said he was forced out of his comfort zone and learned valuable lessons through athletics, clubs and new experiences.
“Always remember that the man who fails and still gets back up will always be better than the one who never tries,” Cardenas said.
He credited his family, particularly his father and grandfather, for demonstrating perseverance and sacrifice, and spoke candidly about overcoming challenges during his childhood.
“I will never be a victim of my circumstances, and I will never use them as an excuse to not do my best,” he said.
Cardenas urged his classmates to pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles or criticism from others.
“Attack your dreams with everything you’ve got. Never let anyone else put a limit on your dreams,” he said. “Don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re not good enough to at least try.”
