Congratulations to the Columbia High School Class of 2026.

Speeches posted below are from Valedictorian Madelina Martinez-Garcia and Salutatorian Gnea Punzalan.  

Wildcats’ commencement was last Friday at the high school.

A gallery of photos appears below.

Seniors photos’ are published in this week’s print edition of the Roanoke Beacon.

Why cover this story? Answer — To honor these students who’ve worked hard in the classroom, perhaps the playing field. Good luck with all your endeavors!

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Valedictorian speech from Madelina Martinez-Garcia  

Good evening family, friends, faculty, staff, and most importantly, Columbia High School’s Class of 2026. I am so grateful to be able to speak to you all tonight.

It feels unreal that this moment is finally here. For four years, we talked about graduation like it was so far away, and now we are sitting here together, preparing to take our next steps into our lives.

As proud as we all are of this accomplishment, I am sure most of us can agree we did not get here alone. I would now like to thank the two most important people in my life and my biggest supporters. 

Mamá y papá, no hay suficientes palabras para describir lo agradecida que estoy por ustedes. Sus sacrificios, apoyo y amor son las razones por las que estoy en este escenario hoy y a punto de atender la universidad de mis sueños. Todo lo que he hecho ha sido por ustedes, y los quiero muchísimo.

My parents left their home country, family, and friends, to come to the United States to give my sister and i a better life and more opportunities than they ever had. Every sacrifice they made, and every difficult moment was done out of love for our future.

Growing up, my parents always told me, “Lo único que tienes que hacer es estudiar”, “The only thing you have to do is study.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand the true meaning of those words, but now I do. Education became my way of giving back to them, and my older sister, who guided me through scholarship applications, college applications, FAFSA, and every stressful moment along the way probably felt that same way as well, and I’m glad she went through that first so she could guide me throughout highschool. Without her, I would have been completely lost.

Class of 2026, while tonight is about celebrating us, it is also about the people sitting in this audience who supported us through every late night, every challenge, every success, and every moment we felt like giving up. So as we move on to the next chapter of our lives, whether that means college, the military, or entering the workforce, let us never forget the people who helped us get here.

Because success is almost never achieved alone.

And if making it to this stage has taught us anything, it is that we are capable of more than we think. No matter where life takes us next, I hope we continue to work hard, believe in ourselves, and make the people who sacrificed for us proud.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. We did it!

Salutatorian speech by Gnea Punzalan

Good evening, magandang gabi po, selamat malam, buenas noches, wǎnshàng hǎo, parents, staff, distinguished guests, and my fellow class of 2026 graduates. My name is Gnea Punzalan, and as this year’s salutatorian, I am honored and humbled to welcome you all as we celebrate one of life’s biggest milestones. Before anything else, I want to take a moment to congratulate every single one of you here. Every late night, every challenge, every sacrifice, and every achievement led us to this moment today. (Applause)

After moving to Columbia and spending the past two and a half years here, this small community felt like home. I moved in my sophomore year of high school, uncertain of what this new chapter of my life would look like. I remember waiting in the lunch line with unfamiliar faces, unaware that these people would soon become part of my journey.

I was at first, a stranger to many, but this community welcomed me in a way that made me feel seen, valued, and included. It was the people from Tyrrell County who showed me kindness in so many ways–through conversations, through small acts of generosity, through welcoming us into their homes, and guiding my family when we drove around areas where GPS failed us.

Living in a small rural area was a new experience for me. Many things were far away, and simple conveniences were not always easy to access. Even something as ordinary as grabbing food or going to a store often meant a long drive.

But what stood out to me wasn’t what it lacked—it was how the community showed up for one another.

In difficult moments and everyday life alike, people were willing to help, to show up, and to give without expecting much in return. I learned that a community is not defined by the size of a town, but by the people within it—the people willing to welcome others, support one another, and show compassion even in the smallest moments.

And maybe that is what we should carry with us after graduation.

To be people who show up for others. 

To be people who lead with kindness and compassion. 

To be people who make others feel welcomed, valued, and included.

To be the men and women of tomorrow who give back to their communities and serve others with humility.

Because sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness can leave the greatest impact on someone’s life.

I believe that God placed me here for a reason, and it wasn’t an accident.

And I know I am not the only one here who has been shaped by the people around us.

I want to thank all of the staff at Columbia Early College High School—teachers, counselor—Ms. Westcott, principal—Ms. Fleming. superintendent–Ms. Williams, The Board, janitors, and bus drivers. Thank you for helping create a place where students could learn, grow, and feel supported each day. I wholeheartedly believe that it takes a special person to do what you do and your service truly helps shape the leaders of tomorrow.

I want to thank my friends—the ones I sat with at the lunch table (you know who you are). Thank you for making my high school years all the more sweeter. For all the laughs, the jokes, for walking me to class, the random head smacks, and even the unhinged ai slops. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly grateful to have found you all.

To all the guests from different walks of life, thank you for being here today. I want to especially thank my Tito Ninong, who traveled all the way from the Philippines to be here for graduation—salamat, Tito. Tita Nancy, and to Ms. Janice and Ms. Sandie, who traveled from Pennsylvania to be here for this special event, thank you so much for your love and support. And to my family from the Philippines who are watching me on stage, para sa inyo lahat ito.

And lastly, I especially want to thank my mom and dad for all of their sacrifices. Leaving behind a country, familiar places, and the people they loved in order to build a better life for our family takes a leap of faith.

To Mom, I am blessed to have a built-in best friend. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Thank you for always having my back and being with me every step of the way. To doing my hair grad photos, making my favorite baked salmon sushi, and encouraging me to do the scary stuff anyway. 

And Dad, I remember the days you’d take me after school and I would come home to my favorite home-cooked meals with spongebob playing on the TV. From tying my hair for basketball camp in fourth grade, to braiding my hair for senior prom–you have been there through so many moments of my life, both big and small.

Mom and Dad, salamat sa lahat.

And to my brother Reevi. Thank you for all the hugs and the times you have cheered me up. As you move onto your next chapter in second grade, I hope you continue to stay happy and never lose that jolly spirit of yours.

To my fellow class of 2026 graduates, take what you have learned here and carry it with whatever life leads. Continue to uplift others, serve your communities, and proudly represent the places and people who helped shape you.

And above all, never lose yourself in the process.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Thank you.