Keynote speaker Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe told 83 Lucerne Valley High School graduates that they have been given an educational “foundation to light the world on fire.”
Rowe shared her inspiring words during the Lucerne Valley High School commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Ron Peavy Field.
“In communities like ours, schools are more than buildings, teachers become mentors, role models, advisors, and trusted adults, reminding you that your work matters,” Rowe said. “You are ahead in so many ways that you don’t even realize yet: The grit, the perspective, the humility and the work ethic. You have an understanding that many people will not learn until so much later in life.”
Prior to Rowe’s speech, Principal Jason Story welcomed visitors, and the Lucerne Valley Rangers presented the colors as the high school band performed “The Star Spangled Banner.”
This year’s Lucerne Valley Union School District retirees, Vici Miller and Guillermo Betancourt, were recognized and given a round of applause for their years of service.
Valedictorian Mikayla McCuistion told her class that today “makes the foundation for our future.”
“I’m overwhelmed with a sense of pride,” McCuistion said.
She also thanked her family, teachers, coaches and administrators, calling them “our backbone.”
Salutatorian Kimberly Mondragon, who is also the president of the Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter and a two-sport athlete, told her classmates that through the good times and bad, “We’ve become better versions of ourselves. Success does not always belong to the smartest person in the room. Success belongs to the people who refuse to give up.”
Crystal Mustang Award winner Irvin Angeles, who had the class’s third-highest grade point average, thanked his teachers, coaches and family.
“The truth is you can’t escape your own circumstances, but you can write your own way out,” Irvin said. “As long as we’re alive, we have infinite chances.”
Before formally accepting the Class of 2026, District Board of Trustees President Jason Hansen said this class is special for many reasons, noting that they are going into the world as the United States celebrates its 250th year.
“You are graduating in a very special year as our country prepares to turn 250 years old,” he said. “Two hundred and fifty years ago they weren’t worried about light-speed living. You are unique. You have the honor of launching our next 250 years.”
He also commented on the graduates’ core qualities, adaptability, resilience, drive and grit.
“Grit is a combination of passion and perseverance, and it’s not just about sucking it out or being internally tough,” Hansen said. “It’s about sustaining that toughness despite failures, setbacks and adversities. Or as you might say, having that dog in you.”
Assistant Principal Jessica Haecker and Office Manager Adriana Barajas presented the diplomas.
Graduate Christian Barajas led his class in the traditional turning of the tassel before Story gave closing remarks.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Lucerne Valley High graduates ready to ‘light the world on fire’
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
