CLASS OF 2026: Meet eight exceptional seniors who graduated from Salem-Keizer schools this year
This past week, nearly 3,000 high schoolers received their diplomas in the Salem-Keizer School District, having spent years balancing school work with family obligations and extracurriculars to reach the accomplishment.
Most high school graduation ceremonies for the district were held on Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5.
Salem Reporter sat down with eight graduating seniors, one from each Salem-Keizer School District high school, to talk about their lives, the challenges they overcame and the accomplishments they’re proud of. Each was joined in the interview by a teacher, coach or advisor who supported their growth and was eager to celebrate them.
See our entire Class of 2026 series below.
Yaradicxa Ramos Adame – North Salem High School
Yaradicxa “Yara” Ramos Adame, from North Salem High School, is on track to become Pentacle Theatre’s youngest-ever choreographer following a successful stint in her school’s theater department.
Isaac Reynolds – McKay High School
Isaac Reynolds, a graduating senior, is a member of the top bands and choirs at McKay High School, where he holds multiple leadership positions. He’s known for his steady wisdom and ability to bring out the best in his fellow performers.
Isabella Morrow – Sprague High School
Isabella Morrow, a senior graduating from Sprague High School, has spent her senior year setting a new standard for the role of student body president, her teacher Chris Trammell, said. She plans to bring her love for service and teaching with her when she starts college.
Allyssa Christensen – McNary High School
A McNary High School graduating senior started her freshman year wanting to help more than just her peers and make a difference in the greater Keizer community. Since then, Allyssa Christensen has organized blood drives, brought veterans to McNary classes and been a symbol of empathy and generosity.
Vanessa Duarte Ignacio – McKay High School
Vanessa Duarte Ignacio is graduating from the cosmetology program at the Career Technical Education Center with plans to open her own salon while working as a sheriff’s deputy. While learning how to give facials and dye hair, she also worked to bring students from different programs together.
Kiara Bailey – Roberts High School
Kiara Bailey made the most of her time in the Roberts High School Teen Parent Program. As student council president, she broke through social divisions and helped her peers get involved in volunteer work.
See our photos from the Roberts High School commencement ceremony here.
Sawyer Nelson – South Salem High School
Sawyer Nelson, a record-breaking baseball player and graduating senior from South Salem High School, is headed to Los Angeles in the fall after marking his four years with leadership on and off the field.
Elvis Muthee – West Salem High School
Elvis Muthee, 18, a senior at West Salem High School, decided at a young age that he had to do something great with his life. While it wasn’t easy to get to where he is today, graduating high school is just the first step into the life he envisions for himself.
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