The sun has set on the Class of 2026’s time at Denair High School.

Quite literally.

Just as the final diploma was handed out last Friday, and as Principal Breanne Aguiar officially introduced the graduating class for the first time, the warm Central Valley sun dipped below the horizon with a golden flourish.

“I don’t know how I did it,” said Aguiar, when asked how she timed the festivities to conclude just as the sun was setting. “It wasn’t planned; that’s for sure.”

What was planned, however, was a crisp, 70-minute ceremony that started precisely at 7 p.m. with the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance” and the entrance of the school’s 66 graduates, resplendent in purple caps and gowns.

Speeches by Aguiar, Superintendent Terry Metzger, Ed.D., valedictorian Emma Sarmiento, salutatorian Brayden Hart, ASB president McKinley Binkley, and senior class president Allison Cherry highlighted the event. And even though graduation ceremonies everywhere have a similar structure, Metzger believes they have unique qualities, too.

“Every single ceremony has its own rhythm, its own flair, its own flavor,” the superintendent said. “It’s hard to describe. Sometimes it’s in the audience and the families cheering for their kids; sometimes it’s in the speeches and who was chosen to give them. But the similarity and the consistency is that these kids love each other. They’ve grown up together and they’ve become a family.”

Aguiar echoed those sentiments.

“Each class brings its unique character,” she said. “And this class, specifically, was special for me because it was the first that I led for all four years. This class will hold a special place in my heart because of that.”

Sarmiento, who plans on attending UC Merced in the fall, delivered a stirring 10-minute bilingual address.

“I had written my speech, made a few edits, and was really proud with what I came up with,” said the valedictorian, who graduated with a 4.35 GPA and plans on majoring in human biology. “I’m just really excited to have this tassel on the other side of my cap.”

During her address, Sarmiento told her classmates, “Over the past four years, I have quietly observed the growth of each of us. Not just in our academic or athletic achievements, but in something that will carry us far beyond high school: I saw us grow in character.”

Members of the Class of 2026 will soon strike out on new journeys, looking to make an impact in places near and far.

“We talk a lot about making an impact on the world,” Binkley told her classmates. “Big dreams, big goals, big futures. But I’ve been thinking: what if the most important impact we make isn’t someday, somewhere far away, but right here in the everyday moments we’ve already lived? The truth is, every single one of us has changed someone else’s life just by being a part of it.”

In addition to the speakers, Cloey Ellerd and Valente Rosales led the Pledge of Allegiance, Zara Devales sang the national anthem, and Dakota Shaw and Chace Butler recognized the scholarship benefactors, who contributed some $73,000 to further DHS students’ education.

The calendar says that summer is still a month away, but students at Denair Unified School District know better.

The unofficial start to summer begins with the end of the school year, and the 2025-26 term is coming to a close this week with promotion and graduation ceremonies throughout DUSD.

Following the promotion of DCA middle-schoolers on Tuesday, seniors at Denair Charter Academy will graduate Wednesday, May 20, in a 7 p.m. ceremony at Jack Lytton Stadium. 

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know the Class of 2026 throughout the years,” said DCA Principal Jamie Pecot. “This group of students has shown incredible determination, perseverance and inner strength. And that’s something we can all learn from.”

Denair Middle School eighth-graders will be promoted to high school on Thursday evening at 7, while the seniors will bid farewell to Denair High on Friday at 7 p.m.

“Watching our eighth-graders promote is always a bittersweet moment for us,” said DMS principal Gabriela Sarmiento, who will have the pleasure the following night of watching her daughter Emma give the valedictory speech during the DHS graduation ceremony. “We’re filled with pride for how much they have grown but also a bit of sadness knowing that they are moving on to high school and young adulthood. With every promotion though, we also look forward to welcoming a new class of sixth-graders and the refreshing new energy they will bring onto our campus.”

DHS Principal Breanne Aguiar felt similarly.

“I’m so proud of all our graduates,” said Aguiar. “I always ask them to come back to Denair and tell us what they’ve accomplished. We’re always so excited to find out what they’re doing and how they’re doing.”

The 2025-26 school year is nearing its conclusion inside the classroom. However, outside the classroom, there’s plenty of activity at Denair Unified School District.

The DUSD Board of Trustees on Thursday received an update from Juan Barroso and Noah Jamison of Valley Construction Services, Inc., on the status of Measure Z projects. 

According to Barroso, construction of the new kitchen and installation of a new HVAC system within the Denair Elementary Charter Academy gymnasium is approximately halfway completed and is expected to be finished on time (Aug. 11, 2026) and under budget ($4,576,543).

Meanwhile, the bidding process for construction of two new classroom wings at DECA will begin this summer, with building expected to get underway in September and be completed by December 2027. The project to convert DECA’s existing cafeteria into administration offices and a library is on a similar timeline: it will be put out to bid this summer, with construction expected to begin in September and a target completion date of May 2027.

Measure Z is the $34.3 million bond measure that was overwhelmingly passed by Denair voters in November 2024 to address repairs and upgrades of school infrastructure. Other planned improvements include creating drop-off/pick-up and bus zones on Madera Avenue and making DECA a single-point entry campus.

“It really has been great to have Juan and his team in our corner,” said DUSD Superintendent Terry Metzger, Ed.D. “It has been so beneficial to bring on a construction manager to help our staff carry such a heavy load.”

In other matters Thursday:

• The board voted to accept the completion of the Denair High School gymnasium re-roofing project. Logan Esqueda, project manager for Garland Design-Build Solutions, Inc., gave a presentation on the work, which included removal and replacement of the existing roofing system and associated sheet metal, and waterproofing improvements to ensure long-term durability.

• A 10-year facilities-use and donation agreement between DUSD and Denair Youth Football was approved. Under the agreement, DYF will donate, fund and coordinate the replacement and installation of the football stadium sound system and LED lighting – at no cost to DUSD. The district will assume responsibility for maintenance upon completion.

• The adoption of Amplify Desmos as the district’s mathematics curriculum was approved by the board, as was the purchase of Amplify Desmos materials, licenses, and associated resources. DUSD will begin implementing the new curriculum in the upcoming school year.

• The trustees approved the purchase, delivery, and installation for playground equipment at three separate, age-appropriate play areas on the DECA campus.

• The board voted to extend the term of employment agreement by two years – through June 30, 2030 – for Superintendent Metzger.

• Denair FFA advisors Roger Christianson and Melinda Rohn updated the board on a $100,000 beautification project at Jack Lytton Stadium. The focal point will be “Denair” spelled in block letters and “Coyotes” in script, accented with seasonal purple flowers such as pansies, violas, vincas, and verbena. The project will be grant-funded.

• Erica Prock delivered an end-of-year report on the Denair Elementary State Preschool, highlighting improvements made throughout the year and registration for the 2026-2027 school year, which is already at capacity.

Classified Employee of the Month – Kathy Wade has served as the principal’s secretary at Denair Middle School. “For me, Kathy is more than a secretary,” said DMS Principal Gabriela Sarmiento. “She’s a rock that I depend upon and trust. She provides a system of support that allows me to focus on the bigger picture.”
Wade is a graduate of Denair High School and the mother of two DHS graduates.

State Seal of Biliteracy – Emma Sarmiento, Denair High’s valedictorian for the Class of 2026, earned the State Seal of Biliteracy. “This recognition honors those who have demonstrated proficiency in English receiving a 3.0 or higher across English courses during their high school career as well as proficiency in a second language,” said DHS Principal Breanne Aguiar. “Emma’s dedication and perseverance highlight academic excellence, the value of multilingualism, as well as cultural awareness.”

Student board member recognition – Senior Dakota Shaw finished her term as a student board member. “Dakota served as an advocate for all students,” said Board of Trustees chair Billy Myers.

Introducing: Starr! – New DECA mascot Starr, the kid sister of fan favorite Cosmo the Coyote, was officially introduced to the board. “Starr, like DECA students, is curious and full of potential and excited to learn,” said DECA Learning Director Roxi Lagos. “And she is starting out in the exact same place as our DECA students.”

Retirements

• Lori Cole began a 27-year career with DUSD in September 1999. She first served as a fourth-grade teacher, and most recently was K-5 intervention specialist. “She has shown tremendous kindness, patience, and support to others throughout her career,” said Lagos, speaking on behalf of DECA Principal Crystal Sousa. “I know I am not the only person whose work and confidence she has strengthened.”
• Sally Baker was completing her internship hours at DHS and was offered a job as a high school counselor in 2007. Four years later, she transferred to DCA, where she is the only academic counselor on site. “Through her years of service, she has supported thousands of students through academic, career, and college counseling, making a tremendous impact on their lives,” said DCA Principal Jamie Peco. “She leads with a heart of service.”
• Patricia Guillen began her tenure at DUSD in 2005, dedicating a decade in various classified positions before stepping into her own classroom. In 2015, she found her home at DMS. “She’s been a pillar of consistency for our students and staff alike,” said Sarmiento. 

Emma Sarmiento and Brayden Hart didn’t give much thought to being the class valedictorian or salutatorian when they first entered Denair High School.

“Honestly, I never really thought about it until last year,” said Sarmiento, the Class of 2026 valedictorian. “It wasn’t until last year that I realized it was a possibility for me. And this year, it kind of got more real.”

Hart felt similarly.

“I went into ninth grade just wanting to pass my classes,” said Hart, this year’s salutatorian. “But at the end of freshman year, I knew I had the highest grade-point average. I was like, ‘I’m just going to keep going and keep getting A’s.”

Hart had the highest GPA among any member of the Class of 2026 until last semester, when Sarmiento overtook him. She has a 4.35 cumulative GPA, five-hundredths of a point higher than Hart, who owns a 4.30.

Sarmiento will attend UC Merced next year, and plans on majoring in human biology with the goal of someday becoming an ophthalmologist. Hart will attend Fresno State, where he plans to major in business, with designs on becoming a financial advisor.

Both excelled outside the classroom, as well.

Hart played on Denair’s football and baseball teams – each qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs – during his senior year and previously was on the school’s basketball squad. He is also vice president of the Associated Student Body and has been involved with Friday Night Live and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This summer, he’ll show a duck named Rooster at the Stanislaus County Fair as part of Denair’s FFA program. He’s earned $2,500 is scholarships toward his education.

Sarmiento, meanwhile, played on the varsity soccer team for four years, was a member of varsity track and field for three years, played varsity volleyball during her junior and senior seasons, and was named the Southern League’s Scholar Athlete of the Year for 2025-26. She was also active in FNL for four years and served as club treasurer this year for the Hispanic Youth Leadership Club. She’s been associated with NAMI, PHAST (Protect Health and Slamming Tobacco), and was a counselor for Foothill Horizons the past two years. Between UC Merced and community partner scholarships, Sarmiento has secured $20,000 toward furthering her education.

“Both Emma and Brayden have been really great students,” said DHS principal Breanne Aguiar. “I’m very proud of them, and I’m just excited to see what their futures hold.”

The immediate future for the students includes giving speeches during commencement on Friday, May 22, at Jack Lytton Stadium. The ceremony is slated to begin at 7 p.m.

“I just want to congratulate everybody for going through these 12 years of school and let them know that our future is bright,” said Hart. “It was hard, but we all came through it.”

Early drafts of Sarmiento’s speech focused on a shared memory that would connect all students.

“It was too hard to pick one thing,” said Sarmiento. “I think my overall message will focus on how we’ve developed and transformed from being kids into young adults with knowledge and memories and experiences that will help us in the future.”

The forecast says the Central Valley may be through with April showers for 2026, and that means it’s just about time for May flowers.

You can find those may flowers at the third annual Denair FFA Spring Plant Sale.

On Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to noon, visit the Denair FFA greenhouse and ag shop – 3431 Lester Road – to pick up a variety of flowers: sweet alyssum, zinnias, marigolds, cosmos, petunias, vincas.

You can also find fruits and vegetables (tomatoes, jalapeños, hot peppers, sweet peppers, zucchini, squash, watermelon, snap peas, artichokes, onions), as well as an assortment of herbs (rosemary, parsley, chives, dill, basil, oregano, thyme, sage, cilantro, chamomile).

All proceeds benefit the Denair FFA program.

Local vendors – Cup of Kindness, Denair Floral, Aaliyah’s Cookies, Wyatt’s Succulents, Cook’s Burgers – will be on site during the event.

“We also have the FFA banquet coming up on May 12 at 6 p.m. in the Denair Middle School cafeteria,” said FFA advisor Melinda Rohn. “We’ll honor one of the mothers – an FFA Sweetheart – and a father, and the floral class will help with the decorations. It will be quite an event.”

In the lead-up to the plant sale, the FFA program will hold a flag football game and ice cream social on Friday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the field behind the ag shop.

And if that flag football game isn’t enough for you, don’t forget the annual Powder Puff football game on Monday, April 27. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. at the Jack Lytton Stadium.