WCHS Class of 2026 Graduates
114 members of Windsor Central High School’s Class of 2026 graduated Friday night during the school’s 142nd commencement.
Class president Grace Reed spoke about the level of support she and her peers received in Windsor, from teachers, staff, administrators, and friends, and how that support will help them moving forward.
“To my Class of 2026, I want you to know that we care about you, our foundation became solidified during our last four years, here at Windsor Central High School with each other and the people who helped us get here on our graduation day. Who is in your foundation? Know that your foundation is the support you will always need, that will always be growing as we continue to mature and create our future paths.
“The people who respect us and support us are our right people, the people in our foundation. Wherever life takes us, let us remember to treat people the way we want to be treated and know what we are worth. Let us remember the lessons we experienced learning together and who was present with us,” said Reed.
Class valedictorian Addyson Guarino spoke to her classmates about not obsessing over mapping out the future.
“Don’t let the fear of tomorrow hold you back from living today. And as you stand in the present, look around at the people who are sharing it with you. We are all figuring out our lives for the very first time, so let’s do it with love, laughter, and grace for one another,” said Guarino. “Let’s promise to trust our own journeys, speak our truths, and unapologetically let our lights shine. The future is entirely ours to make—but before we run off to change the world, let's take a deep breath, look around, and stand exactly where our feet are.”
Class salutatorian Gryffin Christ recalled her time in Windsor, from Palmer Elementary to high school graduation, while also stressing the importance of the present.
“We cannot relive the past. As important as it is to remember it and as fiercely as our minds cling to it, our pasts are not and can never truly be our futures. While we can repeat our mistakes ad nauseum, we cannot bring our memories back to life,” said Christ. “Every person here today has a future full of near endless possibilities that we must look forward to. Don't live in sentimentality, live in the moment. Cherish yesterday and carry hope for tomorrow, but, ultimately, experience today.”
WCHS principal Toby Youngs spoke about three lessons he wanted the students to take with them from their time in Windsor: value the process over the event, don’t take shortcuts, and set your standards higher than others.
“If you do those three things consistently, success will follow. More importantly, you'll become the kind of person whose impact extends far beyond your careers, your accomplishments, and your titles. You'll become people of character. And in the end, that's what matters most. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey.” said Youngs.