SAN ANGELO – Before the Lake View High School Senior Class of 2026 were conferred their high school diplomas, fellow graduates–Salutatorian, Laurie O’ Donnell, and Valedictorian, Fiyona Redae shared their unique experiences of what the past 12 years of life taught them.
“When we first walked into school, we were younger, nervous, and carrying backpacks bigger than our future seemed at the time. And now 12 years later here we are. As we step out these same doors, one of the last details of one chapter on the way in, and the first of the next on the way out,” said O’Donell.
Laurie shared with her fellow 255 graduates what she learned about success was not about being perfect. Nor about the medals, or wins collected over the years. “Success is about resilience, showing up after failure, embarrassment, rejection, and disappointment, and trying again. Today is not only about celebrating our achievements. But it’s about recognizing everyone who has carried us here.”
When Salutatorian Fiyona Redae stepped forward, she told graduates, and attendees that life rarely unfolds the way we expect. “None of us has our lives mapped out, yet each one of us has already lived our stories worth sharing.”
Redae’s unusual journey was marked with the harsh realities of immigration, and refuge she and her family members experienced in Ethiopia.
“I am honored to stand here before you giving this speech, carrying with me the lessons I have learned throughout this journey. If you live each day to the fullest, you will find meaning in life.”
Redae concluded her speech with the following bible verse. “I can do anything through who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
To view the entire 2026 LVHS graduation commencement ceremony go to:
“When we first walked into school, we were younger, nervous, and carrying backpacks bigger than our future seemed at the time. And now 12 years later here we are. As we step out these same doors, one of the last details of one chapter on the way in, and the first of the next on the way out,” said O’Donell.
Laurie shared with her fellow 255 graduates what she learned about success was not about being perfect. Nor about the medals, or wins collected over the years. “Success is about resilience, showing up after failure, embarrassment, rejection, and disappointment, and trying again. Today is not only about celebrating our achievements. But it’s about recognizing everyone who has carried us here.”
When Salutatorian Fiyona Redae stepped forward, she told graduates, and attendees that life rarely unfolds the way we expect. “None of us has our lives mapped out, yet each one of us has already lived our stories worth sharing.”
Redae’s unusual journey was marked with the harsh realities of immigration, and refuge she and her family members experienced in Ethiopia.
“I am honored to stand here before you giving this speech, carrying with me the lessons I have learned throughout this journey. If you live each day to the fullest, you will find meaning in life.”
Redae concluded her speech with the following bible verse. “I can do anything through who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
To view the entire 2026 LVHS graduation commencement ceremony go to:
Lake View High School Graduation Ceremony 2026
Below are this year’s 2026 Top Ten Honor Graduates.
- Fiyona Redae
- Laurie O’ Donnell
- Masiel Rodelo
- Jaqueline Ponciano
- Shirley Rodriguez Alvarado
- Sebastian Heredia
- Aliyah Carrasco
- Analycia Vasquez
- Ryhan Mohling
- Israel Morales Delgado