San Angelo ISD Celebrates PAYS Class of 2026 

San Angelo ISD proudly congratulates the PAYS Class of 2026! The PAYS graduation ceremony celebrating 60 future-ready graduates was held Thursday evening, May 21, 2026, at the McNease Convention Center.

As family and friends entered the Convention Center ballroom, a slideshow of then-and-now photos featuring each graduate played across the large screen at the front of the room. The love and support surrounding the PAYS Class of 2026 were undeniable — every seat in the nearly 1,000-seat ballroom was filled, while proud family members and friends lined the walls to be part of the special evening. 

As the graduates processed into the ballroom, loud cheers and applause filled the room as loved ones celebrated the accomplishments of the PAYS Class of 2026.

The ceremony began with a welcome from PAYS Principal Becca Flores, followed by the pledges led by graduate Leah Granado and the invocation delivered by graduate Alyssa Strieter. 

Ms. Flores then introduced distinguished guests, including SAISD Board of Trustees – Board President Dr. Taylor Kingman, Board Vice President Ami Mizell-Flint, Board Treasurer Bill Dendle, Board Trustees Dr. Kyle Mills, Pam Duncan and Karla Cardenas.

She also recognized Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran; Deputy Superintendent of Academics and School Leadership Dr. Farrah Gomez; Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations/CFO Dr. Merl Brandon; Executive Director of Human Resources Dr. Amy Lemaster; Executive Director of Secondary School Leadership Michael Kalnbach; Executive Director of Communications Shannon Schwartz; Central High School Principal Dr. Jill Ross; and Lake View High School Principal Zach Ramirez.

Ms. Flores also acknowledged the Central and Lake View assistant principals, at-risk coordinators, counselors and teachers for their dedication and commitment to supporting students throughout their educational journeys.

Graduate Callen Lovett then gave the student speech. In his speech, Callen reflected on the surreal reality of graduating high school and encouraged his classmates not to believe that “high school is the best years of your life.” While sharing gratitude for his family, teachers and coaches who supported and challenged him along the way, he acknowledged that not every student’s high school experience was easy and reminded graduates that greater things still lie ahead.

Using NFL quarterback Josh Allen as an example of perseverance, Callen encouraged the Class of 2026 to keep striving for more, take risks, make memories and never believe their best days are already behind them. He closed by challenging his classmates. “So let’s all go have adventures. Take risks, make memories, meet people, start families of our own,” he said. “Let’s not settle on the best being what was but let’s let the best be what is to come PAYS Class of ‘26, let’s go make the most of this world, let’s go make people proud, let’s go be great.” 

Following the student address, Central High School Assistant Principal Bernie Riojas delivered a heartfelt keynote speech centered on perseverance, resilience and hope for the future. She reminded students that their diplomas represented far more than completing school — they reflected the obstacles, setbacks and hardships many had overcome to reach this milestone. 

Ms. Riojas acknowledged that many students faced difficult and nontraditional paths to graduation, encouraging them not to let failure or past struggles define their future. She shared three important lessons with the Class of 2026: failure does not define a person, the people you surround yourself with matter, and individuals should never stop believing their lives can improve.

She urged graduates to choose supportive relationships, continue moving forward through adversity and avoid comparing their journeys to others. Riojas closed by encouraging students to recognize their own strength and resilience, reminding them that success is not measured by speed, but by refusing to give up on themselves.

“Graduates, I hope you leave here tonight understanding something important,” Ms. Riojas said. “You all have already proven that you can overcome challenges … Do not compare your timeline with anyone else's... Success is not how fast you get somewhere but about refusing to quit on yourself.” 

Following Ms. Riojas’s remarks, Ms. Flores proudly presented the graduating class to the Board of Trustees. Mrs. Mizell-Flint accepted the class on behalf of the Board and addressed the graduates. Mrs. Mizell-Flint, Dr. Ross and Mr. Ramirez assisted in presenting diplomas to the graduates.

Following the presentation of diplomas, SAISD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran addressed the graduates as the evening’s guest speaker. In his remarks to the graduating class, Dr. Moran congratulated students on reaching graduation and reminded them that they are surrounded by people who love, support and believe in them. He acknowledged the many challenges and obstacles some graduates had overcome to reach this milestone and emphasized that the evening represented hope, perseverance and new beginnings.

Referencing a quote from Mark Twain about discovering one’s purpose, Dr. Moran encouraged students to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. He shared three pieces of advice for success — to anticipate challenges, be courageous and remain tenacious — urging students not to give up when life becomes difficult.

He closed by reminding the Class of 2026 that their stories and resilience are an inspiration to others and encouraged them to move forward knowing they have an entire community cheering them on and believing in their future.

“There is a story behind each life in this room,” Dr. Moran said. “You are an encouragement to us tonight.”

Ms. Flores then delivered the graduate address, sharing a heartfelt and humorous message that celebrated the determination of the Class of 2026. Acknowledging that many students took unique paths to graduation, she praised them for continuing to move forward through setbacks, responsibilities and difficult moments.

She reminded students that attending PAYS did not make them “less than,” but instead reflected their adaptability, persistence and strength. Emphasizing that success looks different for everyone, Ms. Flores encouraged graduates to embrace their journeys and move forward with confidence in themselves and their futures.

The evening served as a powerful celebration not only of academic achievement, but of resilience, perseverance and the determination to keep moving forward. 

Blending humor with heartfelt encouragement, she closed by reminding students they are capable of far more than they may once have believed and expressed pride in all they had accomplished.

The ceremony concluded with the benediction led by graduate Elizabeth Bly.

The full livestream recording of the PAYS graduation ceremony is available below or on the SAISD YouTube channel. Recorded broadcasts will air on SAISDtv, Optimum Channel 4 for two weeks after the ceremony. 

📸: Click here to view the PAYS graduation photo gallery.

San Angelo ISD is incredibly proud of the PAYS Class of 2026 and their outstanding achievements. This milestone marks not only the close of an important chapter but the exciting beginning of their future endeavors. To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.