rincipal Wyatt O’Neil addresses the Cameron High School Class of 2026 during commencement exercises Thursday. O’Neil encouraged graduates to seize opportunities, stay kind and carry forward memories from their time at Cameron High School as they move into their next chapters.

CAMERON – Like the winding back roads that weave through the hills surrounding Cameron High School, the paths awaiting the Class of 2026 are filled with unexpected turns, steep climbs and destinations not always visible from the start.

Some graduates will head toward college campuses, others into the workforce or military service, but speakers at Cameron’s 118th commencement reminded students Thursday that while their roads may split in different directions, they all began at the same place — a community that taught them to “think big, not small” and gave them the foundation to navigate wherever life leads.

According to Principal Wyatt O’Neil school officials, of the 44 graduates, 19 plan to attend four-year colleges, 12 will enter two-year institutions or technical schools, nine will join the workforce, three will begin apprenticeships in the trades and one has already enlisted in the military. Collectively, the class earned $1,684,750 in scholarships and awards.

Principal Wyatt O’Neil told the graduates the milestone marked both an ending and a beginning and reminded them that “today’s learners are turning into tomorrow’s leaders.”

“My wish for you is that you seize every opportunity you have, be kind, stay well and savor every memory at CHS,” O’Neil said.

Salutatorian Carter Paczweski reflected on the shared experiences that shaped the class inside Cameron’s halls — from difficult coursework to everyday moments that built lasting bonds.

“None of us got here alone,” Paczweski said. “Behind every study session, every tough test, every calculus worksheet, success and setback were people pushing us to be better. We came in unsure of who we were, and tonight we leave as young adults ready to build our own futures.”

He noted that while the Class of 2026 will soon divide into different paths, their impact will extend beyond personal achievement.

“Some of us are headed to college, the military, careers or other opportunities, but no matter where life takes us I hope we remember that success isn’t only about personal achievements,’ he said. “It is also about what we contribute to the people around us and the world we live in. We are stepping into a future filled with challenges but also with endless possibilities.

Valedictorian Danny Yoss echoed that sentiment, pointing to both the class’s shared history and its potential moving forward.

“Many of us will go on to college, trades, the military or the workforce,” Yoss said. “Whatever path we take, I know we’ll make our mark on society. Communities will benefit from it.”

Yoss also noted that the Class of 2026 holds a unique place in school history as the first group to enter Cameron High School beginning in sixth grade, growing up within its halls.

“We were one of the youngest groups to come into the high school building, and we have the credentials to argue we are one of the most successful,” he said. “Now we have to keep doing great things on our separate paths.”

Yoss’ words captured the same anticipation for the future as the class motto, drawn from Hamilton — “There’s a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait” — adding that he hopes future reunions will be filled with stories of achievement and growth.

“We have been afforded many opportunities to excel in the future and I hope at our class reunions we can all talk about what we’ve accomplished,” he said.

The ceremony also paused to honor longtime educator Gibbs Davidson, who retired after 16 years of service at Cameron High School. Principal O’Neil recognized Davidson’s impact on students and staff throughout his tenure.

“Gibbs has served here in the high school for the past 16 years,” O’Neil said, before turning his attention to Davidson. “We thank you for your dedication and wish you a happy, full retirement. You have been a positive influence on so many students and staff. You will be greatly missed.”