On June 3, 2026, Buena High said goodbye to the class of 2026. Present at the graduation were the 2026 graduating class’s family, friends, teachers and Ventura Unified School District’s superintendent Dr. Antonio Castro, board president James Forsythe, Vice President Shanon Fredricks, and more.
At the start of the ceremony, ASB president Naima Dickerson led the pledge of allegiance. The national anthem was sung beautifully by Nairi Nahabedian.
Following, Principal Dr. Asplund, took a moment to recognize honor roll students who were wearing white robes. She also recognized the seniors sitting in the first three rows who graduated with a 4.0 GPA or higher.
Mia Martinez took the stage with a speech she wrote called “ The Reflection We’ve Become”. In the speech, Martinez discussed the reality check of what high school is really like. In her speech, she referenced “High school Musical”, claiming that the movie lied to a lot of us. She talked about the hard times of high school but also the good times that she will forever remember.
“When I looked in the mirror this afternoon, it wasn’t just the cap and gown that stood out. It was the chords, leis and metals. Each one telling a story,” Martinez said.
After, Jazmmn Viot Preciado sang “Almost There” from the popular Disney movie “Princess and the Frog”. This brought multiple attendees to dance, and even the people on stage were shimmying a little bit.
ASB president Naima Dickerson gave a beautiful speech titled: “What a Camera Can’t Capture”. Her speech highlighted Dickerson’s personal experience at Buena, and her love for her camera and capturing moments with friends and family. She says that even with capturing all the special moments that she did, time still passes by.
“At some point I tried to hold on to everything for me that looked like reaching for something that could capture moments in time: My camera,” Dickerson said.
Senior Tegan Farnsworth sang “Defying Gravity” from the popular musical “Wicked” as a homage to the adventures that are to come for the seniors as they learn to defy gravity.
Preceding the commencement of diplomas, Castro took the stage to say a few words to the seniors, giving advice about life and thanking family and friends for joining them and for helping these seniors to be where they are right now.
To close out the ceremony, the seniors took to the stage as each of their names were called to receive their diplomas and to turn their tassel.
Goodbye class of 2026. You will be missed, and good luck.
