There was a hum of anticipation in the air as students filed their way from period 4 to the Performing Arts Center (PAC). On May 21, these students–the foremost upperclassmen of Arcadia High School (AHS)–made their way into their seats, ready to receive the long-awaited reveal of their Valedictorian and graduation guidelines at the 2026 Senior Assembly.
Ms. Stefani Spitz, the AHS Activities Director, opened the assembly with an introduction to the AHS administrative staff and senior counselors. Principal Dr. Jorge Munoz took the stage for the reveal of the Valedictorian.
After an enthusiastic drumroll, Dr. Munoz announced senior Kevin Wu as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026. Wu received his Valedictorian sash from Dr. Munoz, wearing it for the remainder of the Senior Assembly.
“I was very surprised to receive this distinction, and I felt an intense wave of pride, shock, and pure happiness knowing that my work over these past four years has paid off,” said Wu. He offered advice to rising seniors, encouraging them to “make time to relax and hang out with friends and engage in all of the senior year activities. You never get a chance to re-live senior year, so make the most of it while you can!”
Revealed by Assistant Principal Mr. Peter Vo, Baccalaureate seniors Heather Lam and Tejas Patel were also applauded and cheered for by their peers and teachers in the audience.
“I wasn’t actually expecting to go to the Baccalaureate Ceremony,” said Lam. “I thought I was going to work…[but] I’ve tried to be as on top of writing my speech as possible and getting it revised by my English teachers…shout out to Ms. [Nicole] Zaidi and Ms. [Ashley] Novak!”
Lam plans to explore topics of “connections through time” in her speech.
“I really want people to look at the future in the context of what they’ve already gone through and see that the future isn’t as scary as they might think,” said Lam.
Following these announcements Ms. Spitz and Mr. Vo reviewed the final guidelines for graduation, including behavioral expectations, Senior Awards, Senior Activity Day, yearbook distribution, diploma pickups, and Grad Nite.
