Members of the Farmersville High School Class of 2026 celebrate the conclusion of commencement ceremonies Tuesday, May 19, by tossing their caps into the air at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen. Photo Tina Lopez/The Farmersville Times

The Farmersville High School Class of 2026 marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another as 179 graduates received diplomas during commencement ceremonies.

Graduation took place Tuesday, May 19, at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, where family members, friends, faculty and district leaders gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the senior class and recognize students for both academic and career achievements.

Principal David Warren welcomed attendees and reflected on the meaning of commencement, noting that while graduation signifies an ending, it also represents the beginning of a new journey. During opening remarks, Warren recognized military veterans, first responders, educators and Farmersville alumni in attendance.

The ceremony also recognized students preparing for military service. Noah James, Rylan Mitchell and Gordon Swartz enlisted in the U.S. Army, while Alexis Rocha enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Holden Stogsdill later led the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. Farmersville High School’s Junior Class and Senior Class Counselor Jill Cooper recognized top 10% and honor graduates before the program shifted to the district’s partnership with Collin College. Warren said FHS students have collectively earned 14,625 college credit hours, resulting in an estimated tuition savings of more than $5.5 million. The graduating Class of 2026 alone earned 2,180 college hours, representing more than $818,000 in savings.

Kyle Bellue, executive dean of Collin College’s Farmersville, recognized 49 seniors who completed at least 24 college credit hours and wore blue honor cords signifying the achievement. Bellue also recognized 19 students who completed requirements for associate degrees, along with students earning certifications in welding, business management, health sciences and emergency medical training.

Salutatorian Sophia Henderson reflected on her journey to Farmersville and encouraged classmates to embrace community and relationships moving forward. Henderson said she initially struggled after moving to Farmersville seven years ago but eventually found belonging through friendships and school involvement. She reminded classmates not to allow temporary challenges or high school drama to define their futures and encouraged students to value experiences and relationships.

“Live your life and stop caring what other people think; it’s really not that serious,” she said.

Valedictorian Isabella Yanez focused her remarks on gratitude and the importance of support systems. She thanked teachers, staff, family members and friends who helped students navigate the challenges of high school and encouraged graduates to recognize the people who contributed to their success.

Isabella also reflected on the different paths graduates will pursue, including college, military service, trade schools and entering the workforce, while expressing confidence that members of the Class of 2026 are prepared for whatever comes next.

“As we go off to college, trade school, the military, or straight into the workforce, I know that each of us can be successful at whatever we do …. and remember to support others around you in the same way the people in your life have supported you,” she said.

In his message to graduates, Warren later told them they held a unique place in his career, noting they were the only class to spend his entire Farmersville tenure alongside him. He reflected on shared experiences ranging from navigating COVID-era learning disruptions to seeing major campus construction and growth reshape the district.

“But it all ended well, as during your time at FHS we built a new academic wing, band hall, film room, cafeteria, competition arena, marching pad, weight room, Engineering Academy, convertible indoor practice field, ag barn, tennis complex, counseling center, office suite and more. Basically, a whole new school,” he said.

Calling the Class of 2026 the largest graduating class in school history, Warren encouraged students to carry forward the identity and spirit of a “Fightin’ Farmer.”

“Class of 2026, keep fightin’, for YOU are Fightin’ Farmers,” he said.

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