Families, district leaders and proud supporters gathered at the Randall Reed Community Center on May 21 as Spring ISD celebrated the 2026 top of the class students at the annual Valedictorian and Salutatorian Recognition Dinner.

The event carried the kind of excitement only a night like this can bring. Across the room,  parents paused for photos between hugs and congratulations, siblings dressed for the occasion and tables were filled with proud teachers, as students soaked in one of the final celebrations of their high school journey.  A Mexican-themed dinner added a festive cultural touch to an evening centered on achievement, gratitude and big dreams. 

The celebration opened with a vibrant performance by the Westfield High School Folklórico Group, under the direction of Annalysa Cruz, bringing energy and color to the celebration as guests settled into the evening. Executive Director of Innovation and Student Support Services Dr. Eric Tingle then welcomed attendees and served as master of ceremonies guiding the program with energy and warmth.

Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar reminded the honorees that Spring ISD’s identity — outcome-driven, relationship-centered and service-oriented — was now theirs to carry into the world.

“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 brought the night full circle. Da’Vion Tatum, who in 2021 became Westfield High School’s first Black male Valedictorian, returned to the district where his own story began. At the podium, he reminded the honorees that the title they had earned is only as meaningful as the person behind it.

“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 followed with a message for the honorees and the families behind them.

“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.”

Throughout the evening, each campus’s lead counselor then introduced its Valedictorian and Salutatorian, highlighting their academic records, leadership, service and scholarship totals. The honorees’ college destinations spanned the country, including The University of Texas at Austin, Northwestern University, Middlebury College, Colby College and Carleton College.

Among the honorees was Dekaney High School’s Valedictorian Hser Nay Paw, a P-TECH student who earned her associate’s degree in computer programming while maintaining President’s List honors at Lone Star College. Paw, who also participated in  UIL Journalism with a passion for photography and writing, plans to pursue a degree in biochemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. 

Reflecting on her journey, Paw credited the district, along with the teachers, friends and family members who supported her every step of the way.

“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.

For Carl Wunsche Sr. High School’s Valedictorian Kamorey Delagraentiss, who accrued $866,000 in scholarships and more than 700 hours of community service, the title meant something beyond the recognition — it meant showing others the way.

“Being Valedictorian for me is mostly about inspiring other students,” Delagraentiss said. “It’s amazing to show others that it’s possible.”

In the audience, her father watched a goal years in the making come to life.

“The goal is always generational,” Corey Delagraentiss said. “For her to be better than me in everything that is possible — that’s always been the goal. And she’s absolutely there.”

As the evening came to a close, Spring ISD Chief of Innovation & Student Support Services Dr. Michael Love encouraged students to view the moment not as an ending, but as the beginning of what comes next. 

“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.”

The 2026 Spring ISD Valedictorians and Salutatorians are as follows:

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

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