By Jessica Dillon
The Magna Vista High School Class of 2026 celebrated graduation May 22, with student speakers reflecting on personal growth, gratitude and the importance of discovering one’s purpose.
Student speaker Matthew Griffin centered his remarks on the idea of “treasure,” describing it as the experiences and relationships that shape a person’s identity.
“I want to talk about something we already have — something we’ve been building these past four years: Treasure,” Griffin said.
“Not the kind buried in the ground or locked in a chest. I’m talking about the treasure that makes you who you are. The treasure you discovered in friendships, creativity, leadership, or simply figuring out where you fit in.”
Griffin said high school was about more than academics or achievements.
“The late-night study sessions, in practices after school, in quiet moments of doubt, and in laughter echoing through the hallways. High school wasn’t just about grades or trophies. It was about trying to find our path in the middle of uncertainty,” he said.
Describing himself as someone who often stayed out of the spotlight, Griffin said he learned valuable lessons through observation.
“For those who know me, you know I’m not the loudest person in the room. I’m not the one constantly in the spotlight. Spending time in the silence taught me something valuable — it taught me to observe,” he said.
“I’ve watched classmates support each other through hard days. I’ve seen friendships form between people who once felt like strangers. I’ve seen growth happen in ways that don’t always make headlines, but matter deeply.”
Griffin encouraged classmates to continue searching for meaning and purpose in the years ahead.
“As we move forward, some of us will find new treasures. Some of us will rediscover ones we didn’t realize we already had. And some of us may still be searching. Whether you’ve found yours yet or not, know this: it is within you,” he said.
“May we protect our treasure. May we grow it. And may we use it to leave the world better than we found it.”
Student speaker Azlyn España-Beccerra began her remarks in Spanish while thanking her parents for their sacrifices and support.
“Les quisiera darles las gracias por todo. Vinieron a este país sin nada y me dieron todo y mucho más,” she said.
She later translated the remarks into English, telling the audience, “I would like to thank you both for everything. You came to this country with nothing and gave me everything and so much more.”
España-Beccerra reflected on expectations students often have about high school, comparing reality to depictions in movies.
“We walked into high school believing that it would be like the movies. That they would be filled with musical numbers and celebrations, and that everything would fall into place on its own,” she said.
“Instead, we got something real. We got early mornings that we did not want to wake up for. Days when showing up felt like the hardest thing in the world.”
She also reminded graduates that success looks different for everyone.
“Everyone’s ‘best’ looks different,” she said.
Referencing Winnie the Pooh, España-Beccerra reflected on the emotions surrounding graduation and saying goodbye.
“As one of my favorite Pooh-Bears in the 100-acre woods said, ‘How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,’” she said.
Looking out at her classmates, España-Beccerra said the moment marked the final time many of them would gather together in the same way.
“This is the last time we will all be in the same place, at the same time, as who we are right now,” she said. “This is our very last time we are just ‘us,’ before the world pulls us into different directions.”
España-Beccerra urged graduates to remain proud of who they are and to carry the memories of high school with them into the future.
“Be proud, loudly and unapologetically, of who you are,” she said.
“And wherever life takes you, I hope that you chase your dreams fearlessly. That you find a way to make your dreams your reality. If these past four years have proven anything, it is that you are so much more capable of what you think you are.”
