Lubbock-Cooper ISD celebrated its class of 2026 with ceremonies for Lubbock-Cooper High School and Liberty High School May 21 at United Supermarkets Arena.
This year marked the first graduating class at Liberty High School after the campus opened in the fall of 2023.
Lubbock-Cooper High School graduation
“The Class of 2026 has left a mark on our school through hard work, kindness, and the friendships they built along the way,” said LCHS Principal Landon Winton. “It has been a true joy to watch this class grow into leaders who are ready to make an impact at colleges and universities across the country. No matter where life takes them next, they will always be remembered as a class that made our school better.”
Valedictorian – Rileigh Buttle, daughter of Monique and James Buttle
Co-Salutatorian – Rishab Bhardwaj, son of Mini and Subhash Bhardwaj
Co-Salutatorian – Brady Gambrell, son of Tisha and Kenny Gambrell
Total scholarships earned by the class: $5,672,845.68
Liberty High School’s first graduating class
“It has been a true pleasure to walk alongside the first graduating class of Lubbock-Cooper Liberty High School,” said Principal Phillip Saffel. “I firmly believe these students have received a strong educational foundation during their time at Liberty, and I have no doubt that great things are ahead for each of these 110 seniors. I hope they will always cherish their time at Liberty, the relationships they built, and the opportunities they were given along the way. While graduation marks the end of one chapter, it is truly just the beginning of the rest of their lives. I wish them nothing but success, happiness, and fulfillment in all they pursue. Continue to show up, work hard, and never stop growing. No matter where life takes you, Liberty will always be here cheering you on and ready to support you when needed.”
Valedictorian – Madelyn Jane Beasley, daughter of Keesha Erdmann and Phillip Beasley
Salutatorian – Taelyn Salinas, daughter of Crystal and Jeremy Salinas
Total scholarships earned by the class: $3,073,396
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock-Cooper celebrates 2026 grads, Liberty’s first graduating class
Reporting by Special for the Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
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