Delta High holds commencement for Class of 2025; students recognized for college credits, certifications and service

Delta High School held commencement exercises for the Class of 2025, where school leaders and student speakers highlighted academic achievements, community service and next steps for graduates. Principal Casey Binion presided over the ceremony and the Delta ASB president, Makena Abara, led the pledge of allegiance.

The event recognized students who completed college-level coursework while in high school, earned professional certifications, enlisted in the military and received other distinctions. Principal Casey Binion said Delta teaches both character and career skills, noting the school’s emphasis on integrity, perseverance and “first‑century” skills such as critical thinking and collaboration.

The ceremony featured student speakers who reflected on perseverance and risk-taking. Adam Martinez, the gold‑level speaker and class valedictorian, encouraged peers to “think differently” and quoted a Spanish expression: “If you don’t take a risk, you won’t win.” Silver‑level speakers Elijah Konitsky and Calvin Sump spoke about quiet persistence and the value of slowing down to appreciate the moment; Sump said, “This moment, right now, is worth slowing down for.” Faculty speaker John Keeney closed with advice that included the phrase, “Don’t just be sorry. Be better.”

School staff singled out several individual accomplishments. Student organizer Isabel Melendres was recognized for coordinating Delta’s blood drives; Principal Binion said the program has collected 175 pints of blood and runs four times a year. Binion also noted that Isabel earned 65 college credits through College in the High School coursework and will attend Columbia Basin College in the fall. The school announced that 26 graduates will enlist in the U.S. military.

Several graduates were noted for dual credits and associate degrees: Adam Martinez will graduate with an associate degree from Columbia Basin College and plans to attend Saint Louis University’s Madrid campus; Calvin Sump will enter Washington State University Tri‑Cities and also earned an AA; other students were recognized for professional certifications such as Microsoft, OSHA 10, CPR/first aid and cybersecurity certificates.

Representatives from the Pasco, Richland and Kennewick school districts joined the ceremony to present their graduates. President Amanda Brown and superintendent Michelle Whitney presented Pasco School District graduates and stated those students “have met all the graduation requirements, standards and policies as set forth by the Pasco School District board of directors and the state of Washington.” Richland and Kennewick district officials made analogous presentations for their graduates.

The ceremony included music and traditional cap tassel turning; graduates processed out to meet family and community members after the presentation.

While the event was celebratory and ceremonial rather than a policymaking meeting, school leaders used the platform to underscore academic pathways available at Delta — including College in the High School coursework and industry certifications — and to acknowledge community volunteers such as robotics mentor Tiff (volunteer since 2015).