Countdown to Graduation 2026

Celebrate a graduating senior who embraced every opportunity: music, athletics, leadership, and service. From orchestra and varsity sports to student leadership, JROTC, and dual credit classes, Maya Hartley’s journey continues at the University of Washington on an NROTC scholarship, and she’s ready to chase passions and lead with purpose. 🎓🎶🏀✨

Watch the story!

Meet Emely Estrada, an outstanding student who found confidence through challenge. From dual‑credit courses and athletics to JROTC, healthcare internships, and leadership, Emely balanced it all with heart and discipline. Headed to UNR for nursing, she’s ready to help others and embrace what’s next. 🎓✨

See her story!

Meet Jesus Aguirre Gomez - known as Beto - Incline High valedictorian, varsity soccer player, and first‑generation college student. Inspired by family history and driven by equity, Beto excelled in We the People, leadership, and service. Headed to business school, Beto is ready to create opportunity and make an impact. 🎓⚽✨

See his story!

As graduation nears at Wooster High, Getzamany Ayala shares a powerful story of perseverance, community, and pride. From overcoming scoliosis to embracing leadership and culture, this inspiring journey shows how saying “yes” can transform a high school experience. 🎓✨

Watch her story!

Celebrate Reed High senior Erica Coley, Biomedical scholar, three‑time Nevada SkillsUSA Medical Math champion, and accomplished performer. With a 5.1 GPA, hands‑on passion for science, and leadership across orchestra, choir, and theatre, Erica’s perseverance and positivity shine as graduation approaches. 🎓✨

See her story!

Jeagcelyn, lovingly known as Jox, is a joyful and social young woman with a truly big heart. Her love of learning lit up the classroom at Picollo School. Always smiling and eager to help, she built real‑world skills for life beyond school. Jox is a bright light, a willing helper, and a reminder of the power of positivity and perseverance. 🎓✨

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Celebrate North Valleys High School senior Byron Gonzalez, Jr. — AFJROTC Wing Commander, leader, and servant to his community. From four years of JROTC and hundreds of service hours to award‑winning leadership, Byron graduates ready for college, the Nevada Air National Guard, and a future defined by teamwork and purpose. 🎓🇺🇸✨

Watch his story!

Megan Whalen has soared at McQueen High School. A scholar, athlete, and leader, Megan balanced varsity sports, school spirit, and top academics while making unforgettable memories. From winning a state title to preparing to play college soccer, Megan’s journey proves that perseverance, teamwork, and heart lead to success.

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Ariana Rodriguez turned uncertainty into opportunity. After transferring schools, Ariana accelerated credits, discovered a passion for design, and chose to graduate early. Now headed to TMCC, Ariana’s journey from challenge to confidence shows how determination and support can open doors to a bright future.

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Alberto Medina dared to step outside his comfort zone—and it changed everything. At TMCC High School, he earned an associate degree, led on and off the field, and discovered his passion for engineering. As a first-generation Latino student, Alberto’s journey proves that hard work opens doors.

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After years of struggle, Veto Rodriguez chose a new path. At RISE Academy, a simple goal became a life-changing success: earning a diploma, confidence, and a future. Now enrolled at TMCC, Veto’s story proves it’s never too late to believe, learn, and move forward.

See Veto's story!

McKinna Thomas’s senior year in Gerlach reflects growth, leadership, and heart. As a mentor to younger students, she found joy, creativity, and purpose. Now graduating, she looks ahead with excitement—grateful for her roots and ready to explore a bigger world beyond her small school community.

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Ty Siegel’s journey to graduation at Galena High School is a story of growth, grit, and resilience. Once a struggling freshman, he turned things around through hard work, support, and determination, with good grades and a spot on the varsity basketball team. Next, Ty plans to study engineering and cybersecurity at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Watch Ty's story!

Hollow’s path with Innovations High School is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and finding connection. Navigating autism, isolation, and uncertainty, Hollow discovered a passion for storytelling and a supportive community, leading to pride, growth, and the courage to graduate and move forward.

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Addison Comeaux’s journey at North Star Online School wasn’t easy, but her resilience, shaped by alopecia and a shift to online learning, helped her grow into a confident leader. Now graduating, she’s pursuing cosmetology to inspire others. Her message: stay true to yourself and never let anyone dim your shine.

See her story!

When Shea transferred sophomore year, she found belonging through leadership, athletics, and commitment. From varsity basketball to leading clubs, Shea built lasting bonds and became a role model on and off the court. Her journey proves passion and involvement can turn unfamiliar places into home.

Watch her story!

Three cousins—twins Niemah and Neveah, and Kevin—graduate from Spanish Springs High School as first-generation students from the Hungry Valley Reservation. Through challenges, culture, and unwavering family and community support, their shared journey proves the power of perseverance, connection, and belief in what’s possible.

See their story!

Meet Dylan Sandusky, an AACT senior whose journey has been truly extraordinary. From growing the Business Academy to earning 96 college credits, Dylan found his passion in business and technology. He heads to the University of Nevada, Reno as a junior, ready to lead and innovate!

Watch Dylan's story!

Follow Reno High School senior Avery Clark’s journey of leadership, resilience, and impact. From varsity swimming and sports medicine to student body leadership, Avery reflects on growth, mentorship, and leaving Reno High School ready for her next chapter. Go Huskies!

See Avery's story!

Meet Yani Cancino, a founding student at Debbie Smith CTE Academy whose high school journey reflects leadership, self-discovery, and passion. From engineering to music, cheer, and leadership, Yani shares her growth, pride, and her plans to continue learning!

Watch Yani's story!

The Washoe County School District celebrates the Class of 2026 in this year’s Countdown to Graduation!

We honor all students in this graduating class for their dedication, persistence, and hard work as they achieved this important academic goal.

Countdown graduates have left their mark on their respective schools through scholastic accomplishments, athletic abilities, or the ways in which they inspired others by overcoming obstacles to reach the graduation stage.

Each weekday beginning Tuesday, May 12, we will introduce you to a Countdown Graduate and tell you their story. Watch the WCSD Facebook page, Instagram, and website to learn more about these outstanding young people and their plans for the future.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are proud of you!

Introducing Our Graduates