Washington High School Celebrates Class of 2026 Commencement

Education

The Conroe ISD campus recognized graduates, academic honorees and student speakers during Saturday’s ceremony at The Ark church.

CONROE, Texas — Sunday, May 17, 2026

Washington High School celebrated its Class of 2026 commencement ceremony Saturday, May 16, at The Ark church in Conroe.

The Conroe ISD campus recognized graduates who completed the requirements of the state of Texas and Booker T. Washington High School. Principal Chris White led the ceremony, which included recognition of students committed to military service, current and former members of the armed forces, first responders, academic honorees and the school’s top two graduates.

White addressed graduates, families, friends and staff, focusing on perseverance, fresh starts and the work students completed to reach graduation. He told students that graduation is not the finish line, but a milestone leading into the next chapter of their lives.

The ceremony also included class messages from Jonas Riley and Olga Garcia Hernandez.

Riley spoke about the path many Washington students took to reach graduation and the importance of continuing after setbacks. He thanked teachers, staff and families for supporting students through their high school years.

Garcia Hernandez spoke about arriving in the United States three years ago, learning English and finding support at Washington High School. She encouraged classmates to continue working toward their goals after graduation.

Before diplomas were awarded, White recognized students wearing academic honor stoles. Students wearing white stoles were recognized as Summa Cum Laude graduates, representing the top 5% of the graduating class. Students wearing black stoles were recognized as Magna Cum Laude graduates, representing the top 10%.

Jonas Riley was named valedictorian of the Class of 2026. Riley is the son of Jeremy Palmer and Danielle Riley. While attending Washington High School, he completed more than 150 hours of instruction in entrepreneurship and career and technical education courses. He also earned an Entrepreneurship and Small Business industry-recognized certification.

Riley received an academic merit scholarship from Sam Houston State University, where he plans to study premedical biology. He plans to pursue a career in forensic pathology or as a doctor of neurology.

Olga Garcia Hernandez was named salutatorian. She is the daughter of Adrian Garcia and Corinda Hernandez and was accompanied at the ceremony by her older sister and guardian, Delmise Aracelis Garcia.

Garcia Hernandez, originally from Honduras, transitioned to the United States three years ago. During that time, she earned the second-highest cumulative grade point average at Washington High School. After high school, she plans to attend Lone Star College and pursue a degree in nursing.

The ceremony concluded with the awarding of diplomas to the Washington High School Class of 2026.