Spring ISD Celebrates Class of 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorians During Emotional Recognition Dinner
Spring ISD’s annual Valedictorian and Salutatorian Recognition Dinner brought together some of the district’s brightest students and proudest families on May 21 at the Randall Reed Community Center, turning an evening of academic honors into a celebration of perseverance, leadership and community pride.
For many families across Spring, Houston and surrounding neighborhoods, the event represented far more than grade point averages or scholarship totals. It marked the culmination of years of sacrifice, encouragement and determination as students prepared to take their next steps at colleges and universities across the country.
The atmosphere throughout the evening reflected the emotion of the milestone. Parents paused for photos between hugs and congratulations, siblings dressed up for the occasion and teachers watched students they had mentored prepare to leave high school behind. A Mexican-themed dinner and a lively performance by the Westfield High School Folklórico Group added warmth and cultural celebration to a night centered on achievement and opportunity.
Spring ISD Leaders Encourage Students to Lead Through Service and Relationships
Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar reminded students that the values they developed within the district should continue guiding them long after graduation.
“Remember, in any walk of life and in anything you choose to do, it is always going to center around relationships and the people you serve,” Cuellar said. “You are destined for greatness, and you are leading the way. Together in culture, together in accountability — that is who we are. Carry that with you, wherever you go.”
The evening’s keynote speaker, Da’Vion Tatum, returned to Spring ISD five years after becoming Westfield High School’s first Black male Valedictorian in 2021. His message focused less on titles and more on personal value and self-worth.
“It’s not the title that’s the special thing, nor is it what is valuable — it is you, the student who is special,” Tatum said. “You define the title, the title does not define you — and if you don’t remember anything else from tonight, I hope you remember your worth.”
Spring ISD Board of Trustees President Justine Durant also acknowledged the years of commitment behind each student’s accomplishment.
“Your success represents years of hard work, discipline, resilience and determination,” Durant said. “It reflects early mornings, late nights, difficult exams, demanding schedules, and countless moments when you chose persistence over comfort.”
Scholarship Totals and College Destinations Highlight Student Achievement
Throughout the night, campus counselors introduced each valedictorian and salutatorian while sharing their accomplishments, leadership experiences, community involvement and scholarship awards.
Collectively, Spring ISD’s top graduates earned millions of dollars in scholarships while securing admission to prestigious universities including Northwestern University, The University of Texas at Austin, Middlebury College, Carleton College, Bryn Mawr College and Colby College.
Among the evening’s standout stories was Dekaney High School Valedictorian Hser Nay Paw, who completed the school’s P-TECH program while earning an associate degree in computer programming and maintaining President’s List honors at Lone Star College. Paw plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to study biochemistry.
“They provided me with support and resources, and with that help, they connected me to other people who helped me achieve my goals,” Paw said while reflecting on the educators, friends and family members who supported her journey.
Carl Wunsche Sr. High School Valedictorian Kamorey Delagraentiss earned $866,000 in scholarships and completed more than 700 hours of community service, but said the recognition carries a deeper purpose.
“Being Valedictorian for me is mostly about inspiring other students,” Delagraentiss said. “It’s amazing to show others that it’s possible.”
Her father, Corey Delagraentiss, said watching his daughter reach this milestone reflected a larger family goal.
“The goal is always generational,” he said. “For her to be better than me in everything that is possible — that’s always been the goal. And she’s absolutely there.”
2026 Spring ISD Valedictorians and Salutatorians
Carl Wunsche Sr. High School
- Valedictorian: Kamorey Delagraentiss — Bryn Mawr College — $866,000 in scholarships
- Salutatorian: Gianni Rodriguez — University of Houston — $293,000 in scholarships
Dekaney High School
- Valedictorian: Hser Nay Paw — The University of Texas at Austin — $370,000 in scholarships
- Salutatorian: Arthur Prince — Middlebury College — $367,824 in scholarships
Spring Early College Academy
- Valedictorian: Amy Gutierrez — Texas A&M University — $462,000 in scholarships
- Salutatorian: Ryan Galil — Carleton College — $286,428 in scholarships
Spring High School
- Valedictorian: Jaylan Tran — Colby College — $491,000 in scholarships
- Salutatorian: Andy Huynh — Northwestern University — $79,768 in scholarships
Westfield High School
- Valedictorian: Jade Francis — Grambling State University — $327,870 in scholarships
- Salutatorian: Jennifer Cervantes — The University of Texas — Pell Grant recipient
A Night That Reflected the Future of Spring ISD
As the evening concluded, Spring ISD Chief of Innovation & Student Support Services Dr. Michael Love encouraged students to view the recognition not as the end of their story, but the beginning of a new chapter.
“To our valedictorians and salutatorians — this moment belongs to you. But I also want you to know that this is not the finish line. It is the starting block,” Love said. “On behalf of Spring ISD, congratulations to the Class of 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians. Now go change the world.”
For many in attendance, the evening served as a reminder of what public education can accomplish when students, teachers, families and communities work together. From scholarship achievements to first-generation college journeys, the Spring ISD Class of 2026 leaves behind a legacy that families across the district can celebrate with pride.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Spring ISD news, student achievement stories and community updates from across the Houston area.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
