Marshalltown High School bid farewell to 393 high school seniors during Sunday’s commencement ceremony at the Roundhouse.

During the student recognition portion, MHS Principal Justin Boliver said the graduating class earned $1.2 million in scholarships to attend post-secondary institutions.

He also pointed out the new record the class set with 90 seniors earning the Seal of Biliteracy. One of those students was Ariana Campos Padilla, who was one of four student speakers.

“Thirteen years ago, we were children . . . Think of how far we have come since then,” she said. “Many of us start this journey in different places – different schools, different states, even countries. But we have come together so we can be here today together.”

Padilla recalled the COVID-19 pandemic, and how their sixth-grade academic year was drastically changed. Instead of friends meeting with one another, they had video calls.

“Everything changed quickly and we were barely old enough to understand what was going on,” she said. “We began the school days with screens, people were divided by masks and shields . . . Throughout these four years, many unexpected things happened, including losing friends and teachers. There have been moments when things felt uncertain, when you questioned your direction, your choices or even yourself. When you think of those moments, remember that growth doesn’t happen when everything is easy. It happens when you stretch, become uncomfortable and take risks.”

Following Padilla, student speaker Zahira Zavala Contreras became overcome with emotion as she gave her speech.

As the final speaker before diplomas were handed out, Superintendent Theron Schutte said he is also a proud Bobcat, having graduated with the class of 1981. Forty-five years ago, he sat exactly where the 2026 seniors sat, except there was no air conditioning.

“But we did have the same Bobcat spirit and pride,” Schutte said.

He thanked parents, grandparents, family and Marshalltown community members for playing roles in the development of the seniors, before directly addressing the graduates.

“The diplomas you receive today represent years of relentless hard work,” Schutte said. “Our 26th President of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt, famously said, ‘If you believe you can, you’re halfway there.’ Class of 2026 – you didn’t just believe. You put in the work. You rose to the challenge and you have achieved. Your high school journey has been defined by numerous, and in many cases, unprecedented individual and group accomplishments. You’ve persevered, faced adversity head on and came out strong on the other side.”

He urged them to remember the community which raised them as they move forward into the future.

“Remember, once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat,” Schutte said.

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.