Family members, friends, faculty and community supporters gathered at Feather River College's football stadium on Friday, June 5, to celebrate the accomplishments of 34 graduates as Plumas Charter School honored its Class of 2026.
PCS Executive Director Taletha Washburn welcomed guests and congratulated graduates on reaching a significant milestone. "You have demonstrated courage, resilience, adaptability, intelligence and responsibility," Washburn told the class. "Most importantly, you have shown the determination to persevere and see things through; these qualities will continue to serve you well as you step forward into the next chapter of your lives."
Washburn also introduced the Indian Valley Academy Concert Band, led by Dr. Jane Brown, which provided live music throughout the ceremony.
Speakers
Student speakers Luke Darue of Quincy Learning Center and Adin Lunder of Indian Valley Academy reflected on their high school experiences and shared words of encouragement with their classmates.
Darue spoke about the importance of community and support during difficult moments.
"When I think of struggle, I think of having to face things alone, of grief, hopelessness and solitude," Darue said. "That just wasn't my experience at Plumas Charter School."
He told graduates that throughout his educational journey, he was surrounded by people who encouraged him and helped him learn from setbacks. "Failure never felt like a reflection of my intelligence, but rather something that just happens," he said.
Darue concluded by reminding his classmates that regardless of what path they choose after graduation, they have already accomplished something meaningful. "No matter what you choose to do after this, you have all achieved something great — being wonderful people."
Lunder began his remarks by thanking the teachers and staff members who helped guide students to graduation day. Drawing inspiration from Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel, he shared a lesson that resonated throughout his high school experience. "The opposite of love isn't hate, it's indifference," Lunder said, quoting Wiesel.
Reflecting on his own challenges and setbacks, he encouraged classmates to take advantage of opportunities and remain persistent in pursuing their goals. "If there is one thing I've learned in four years of failing, it's that to achieve a goal, a person must seize every opportunity given to them," he said.
Lunder reminded graduates that mistakes and obstacles are inevitable, but perseverance comes from refusing to become complacent. "You will make mistakes. You will have setbacks. But as long as you are never complacent, never indifferent, you will persevere."
The ceremony's keynote address was delivered by Tracy Kepple, whose decades-long career in education and literacy advocacy has left a lasting impact on students and communities throughout Plumas County.
Kepple spoke about the transformative power of books, schools and the ability of individuals to create positive change in the world around them. She reflected on her recent work alongside Indian Valley Academy staff and community partners to revitalize the campus library into a growing community resource center. "I can honestly say I see change and I feel hope."
She recalled asking how such an ambitious project would be funded and said IVA Site Director Ryan Schramel's response reflected the spirit of Plumas Charter School. "This is why the charter school is called non-traditional," Kepple said. "They find a way to do good, important things when many schools simply say they can't."
Kepple praised the leadership and staff of PCS for their commitment to students and communities, encouraging graduates to embrace authenticity as they move forward in life. "Turn off the noise, step inside a library, or onto a mountain trail, and pay attention to what's inside," she told the graduating class.
Ceremony
The ceremony continued with the presentation of scholarships and special recognitions. Representatives from Greenville Rotary, Indian Valley Thrift, the Taylorsville Ladies Aide Society and the Leonhardt Family attended to honor student recipients. Students who completed Career Technical Education pathways were also recognized for their achievements and commitment to career-focused learning. (Scroll down to read the list of scholarships and awards).
During the traditional rose ceremony, graduates presented flowers to family members, friends, teachers and mentors who played an important role in helping them reach graduation day.
Diplomas were presented by Chester Learning Center Site Director Keri Reed, Indian Valley Academy Site Director Ryan Schramel and Quincy Learning Center Site Director Brittini Wade. Washburn and PCS Board President Steve Hill joined in presenting diplomas as graduates crossed the stage to enthusiastic applause from family, friends and supporters.
Following the presentation of diplomas, teachers and staff gathered beside the stage to congratulate graduates with handshakes, hugs and well wishes before students returned to their seats for the ceremony's conclusion.
Class of 2026
As they leave PCS, members of the class of 2026 carry with them a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. Through the school's personalized learning model, many balanced academics with employment, college coursework, athletics, leadership opportunities and career technical education programs. Several graduates completed concurrent enrollment courses, earning college credits while still in high school and graduated early.
The graduates now look toward a variety of future pathways, including four-year universities, community colleges, military service, workforce opportunities and gap-year experiences.
Before the ceremonial tassel turn and cap toss, Schramel delivered closing remarks, encouraging students to recognize and thank the people who helped them along the way.
With that, the Class of 2026 officially became Plumas Charter School alumni.
Congratulations to the Plumas Charter School class of 2026!
Graduates:
Ezekiel Baldwin, Annie Beck, Audrey Beery, Dalton Bentz, Auriana Brennan, Nathan Bridges, Fayth Broadhead, Rowdy Buhr, James Collier, Luke Darue, Sheldon Foster, Oisin Gallagher, Brandon Jaimes, Makiah Jensen, Brandon King, Adin Lunder, Ella Madarang, Alahna Maynard-Brown, Savannah McDonald, Kelsey Metcalf, Levi Monday, Makiala Ontiveros, Nate Patterson, Rachel Phillips, Dilley Pullman, Maddison Rocha, Emily Scoppwer, Michael Standley, Preston Vaughn, Alex Voboril and Zane Wyrick.
Click here to watch the full ceremony on YouTube!
By Rachel Goings, Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
Scholarships and awards
Scholarship recipients
Better Men for a Better World Scholarship
Levi Monday
Greenville Rotary
Dalton Bentz
Adin Lunder
Savannah McDonald
Nate Patterson
Dilley Pullman
Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce
Dalton Bentz
Adin Lunder
Savannah McDonald
Indian Valley Thrift Store
Dalton Bentz
Rowdy Buhr
Adin Lunder
Savannah McDonald
Nate Patterson
Dilley Pullman
Leonhardt Family Scholarship:
Ella Madarang
Missouri University of Science and Technology: Groundbreaker Scholarship
Levi Monday
Plumas Association of Realtors: Leonard HA Franz Scholarship
Adin Lunder
Plumas County Bar Association: Alice M. King Scholarship
Adin Lunder
Plumas County Sheriff Association
Adin Lunder
Nate Patterson
Philanthropic Educational Organization Scholarship
Ella Madarang
Taylorsville Ladies Aide Society
Adin Lunder
Savannah McDonald
Nate Patterson
White Columns Scholarship
Levi Monday
CTE Pathway Completers
Agriscience and Natural Resources
Fayth Broadhead
Sheldon Foster
Savannah McDonald
Art, Media & Entertainment
Brandon King
Hospitality and Food Service
Makiah Jensen
Manufacturing
Fayth Broadhead
Rowdy Buhr
Sheldon Foster
Patient Care
Luke Darue
Software Systems (I.T.)
Oisin Gallagher
Album photos by Lisa Kelly-Thank you, Lisa!