The Wylie East High School and Wylie High School Classes of 2026 celebrated graduation Saturday, May 23, as more than 1,350 seniors crossed the stage during commencement ceremonies at Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen.

Families, friends, faculty members and district leaders gathered throughout the day to honor the accomplishments, perseverance and shared experiences of the graduating classes as students closed one chapter and prepared to begin another.

Wylie East High School

Wylie East High School held its afternoon ceremony, where 602 graduates received diplomas. Principal Tiffany Doolan welcomed attendees and reminded the audience to allow every graduate’s moment to be heard and celebrated.

National Honor Society President Eliana Tamrat reflected on the collection of experiences that shaped the class during the past four years.

“Today naturally brings the past four years into focus, not as one continuous story, but as a collection of moments that somehow fit together now in hindsight,” Tamrat said.

She said classmates would carry both their hard work and the relationships they built into the future.

“As we move forward, we’re taking both with us: all that we put in, and those we shared it with,” she said.

The ceremony also recognized students entering military service following graduation. Col. Brooks McFarland praised those who committed to serving others through military careers.

“There is no better example” of service, he said, than the students who chose to enlist after graduation.

Wylie East valedictorian Amanda Lu spoke candidly about uncertainty and growth while encouraging classmates to trust themselves moving forward.

“To me, my future is a white space, endless and daunting,” Lu said.

“You have everything you need within yourself,” she added. “You are everything around you.”

The ceremony also included a moment of remembrance for former classmate Xander Wade. Nevaeh Campbell honored his resilience and positive attitude.

“Despite everything that Xander endured, his courage, resiliency and constant positive attitude provided strength and encouragement to everyone he met,” Campbell said.

Following the presentation of diplomas, Mindy Tran reminded classmates that graduation represented a beginning rather than an ending.

“As much as you have thought graduation was your end goal, it’s really just the beginning of everything,” Tran said.

Doolan closed the ceremony by celebrating the graduates’ accomplishments and future potential.

“You are leaving a legacy of greatness at Wylie East and in Wylie ISD,” Doolan said. “We believe in you, and we are excited to see the incredible things you will accomplish.”

Wylie High School

Later that evening, 751 Wylie High School graduates participated in commencement exercises led by Principal Brian Alexander.

The ceremony opened with the presentation of colors by Wylie High School Air Force Junior ROTC cadets, followed by a recording of the National Anthem performed by the Wylie High Wind Symphony.

Student Body President Channing Shepherd reflected on the challenges and uncertainty the senior class faced throughout high school.

“At times, it felt like running a race without seeing the finish line, as every step forward brought another obstacle into view,” Shepherd said. “And yet, here we are, on our very last day together.”

She also remembered classmate Cadence White, describing her as “the brightest light in the room.”

“Though she is no longer physically with us, her presence continues to move through us in everything that we do,” Shepherd said.

Vice President Ava Griess later recognized teachers, staff and parents for supporting students throughout their educational journeys.

“On behalf of every graduate here today, we would not have gotten here without you,” Griess said.

National Honor Society President Nathan Reske introduced Wylie ISD Superintendent Kim Spicer, who addressed her first graduating class since becoming superintendent.

“It is truly an honor to serve as superintendent of Wylie ISD, and I know I will never forget the Class of 2026 as my first graduating class in this role,” Spicer said.

Salutatorian Kyler Eiben focused on the friendships and memories shared by the graduating class.

“As our lives split into 751 different directions, with 751 unique futures, we will carry with us all that we have shared,” Eiben said. “We will forever be the Wylie High School Class of 2026.”

Valedictorian Camryn Sellers encouraged classmates to embrace failure as part of personal growth.

“I’ve found that our growth and progress is often disguised as failure,” Sellers said. “But failure doesn’t just mean getting an F on an assignment or test.”

After district officials certified the graduating class, Spicer directed seniors to move their tassels, symbolizing their transition from students to graduates.

Alexander closed the ceremony with a final message to the Class of 2026.

“Once you’re a Pirate, you’re always a Pirate,” he said.

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