Valedictorian Chloe Klotz, a member of the Class of 2026 in the school’s carpentry department, thanked the families for their support during her speech at the 32nd annual commencement Thursday night.

“I would like those who are graduating today to think about your parents or guardians,” Klotz said.

“While you may be thinking of this as the finish line, remember that they have been with you every step of the way. So, thank them for the support they have given you for every good or bad grade you have gotten.”

Klotz also thanked others who believed in them.

“The people around us made it a little bit easier. It makes such a difference to have someone who believes in you. We are all here today because someone believed in us; whether it be challenging us to new levels, or just pushing you to turn in your work throughout the year. All I am, or hope to be, I owe to those who believed in me.”

One hundred and three students from 16 different technical departments received their diplomas under the big tent set up in the upper field at the school.

David Reinbold, administrative director, led the ceremony. Brook Tanasjczuk sang the National Anthem.

Steven Lilly, president of the Class of 2026, addressed the students, friends, and families.

“This momentous occasion is a symbol of our growth, our perseverance, and our future,” Lilly exclaimed. “Now the day has finally come. It hasn’t always been easy; but, together, we persevered as a community, as classmates, and as friends.”

Salutatorian Saleena Hollis pointed out that today is not about reaching the end of something, it’s about standing at the edge of possibility.

“The truth is, the future will not always be easy,” Hollis stated. “There will be challenges. There will be setbacks. There will be moments when the road ahead seems uncertain. But, if CCTI has taught us anything, is that we know how to face challenges. We know how to fix problems. We know how to build something from nothing. We know how to keep learning. Those lessons matter far beyond graduation.

“Maybe courage is what our adventure is all about,” Hollis added. Not having all the answers. Not knowing exactly where every road leads. But, moving forward anyway, trusting what you’ve learned, trusting what you’ve built, trusting yourself.”

Thomas Lesisko, who served as interim principal since February, expressed his joy with the graduating class.

“I saw you take responsibility for your actions. hen something needed to be done, you stepped forward. Whether it was a mess to clean up, you took care of it; task nobody wanted, or reading Mrs. Gerhard’s daily announcements. These are not small things that you will take with you for the rest of your life. You are a class that shows you are up and ready to do the job. What happens here does not happen by accident.”

Lesisko pointed out that the world has changed even from just a few years ago.

“To the graduating class, the world you are stepping into is not the same that graduates just a couple of years ago stepped into. The economy demands adaptability. Artificial Intelligence, AI, is here. It’s reshaping the workplace. Your skills and expertise will be needed to use it, command it, and make the world a better place. You are leaving here not simply with a credential; but, with the confidence, the competence, and the character to build a future that is entirely your own.”

The Class of 2026 then stepped forward to receive their diplomas, distributed by the Instructors of their fields.