Photos vs Words

By Sean Openshaw

After covering a handful of graduations this season and listening to all of the speeches, I keep coming back to the same question: What is the message equivalent of the photos we take?

My team and I shot 4,400 photos at the Coconino High School Class of 2026 graduation. I edited those down to 3,745 for the online gallery. Divide that by the nearly 350 graduates, and that's about 10 photos per graduate. Add all the selfies and family photos on top of that, and this moment is about as well-documented visually as a moment can be.

In contrast, the speakers articulated about 6,000 words.

I know graduation speeches don't have the same longevity that photos do.

Who even remembers what was said?

The graduates and staff who spoke will probably fold up their speeches and, at best, put them in a personal time capsule or scrapbook, or file them away on a hard drive somewhere.

And while much of what gets said at graduations has been heard before, or regurgitated from an internet search or AI, there are little moments of truth that are unique, insightful, and can only be said about this very specific moment.

I believe that high school graduation is probably the most pivotal moment in a young person's life.

It's the moment when there are no longer any parental safety switches at the ready.

No curfews or guardrails except the ones baked into the graduate. The person who walks across that stage is what they've become, and now is the time they'll have to prove it.

Another reason that images of this moment will outlive the words is that cameras were everywhere on Friday.

What almost nobody was doing was writing down what was said, what they were feeling and why it mattered for this specific class, at this specific moment.

Now that the photos are edited and posted, I want to do the same thing with the words. I looked at 4,400 images and pulled the handful that tell the story. Now I want to do that with 6,000 words.

Opening Ceremony

Friday, May 22, 2026 – Northern Arizona University Skydome

The Coconino High School Class of 2026 graduated Friday afternoon at Northern Arizona University's Skydome. The ceremony opened with the Presentation of Colors by JROTC, the National Anthem performed by the CHS Choir, and graduates entering to "Pomp and Circumstance" played by the CHS Band and Orchestra.

Welcome addresses opened the ceremony in three languages. Yocelyn Rodriguez Ramos welcomed the crowd in English, reflecting on what the class had sacrificed to reach that afternoon. Ana Paula Araujo Moreno delivered remarks in Spanish, thanking parents directly - "without your support, it would not have been possible to make it here" - and calling graduation "the first step toward our future." Skyler Whitehorse spoke in Navajo, reflecting on the graduates' journey and sharing a traditional message of encouragement as the class prepared to leave.

Principal Ragan's Final Address

This was Principal Tadd Ragan's last commencement address at Coconino High School. He has led the school for seven years. Many of the graduates he has known since sixth grade, and some since kindergarten, and he did not say that to fill time.

He cataloged the class's accomplishments the way he does every year, and 2026 gave him plenty to work with. The class earned over $4 million in scholarships. One hundred twenty-three students received honor roll recognition. Two students earned the full IB diploma. Twenty-six earned the Seal of Biliteracy. Forty-six earned the Seal of Personal Finance. One student is receiving an associate's degree from Coconino Community College alongside their high school diploma. Seven students earned certificates in certified nursing assistance or emergency medical services. One student received the Freeport Scholarship, a full ride to any university. The football team extended the city championship streak to nine consecutive years, and the school also produced city champions in boys and girls golf, boys and girls soccer, a regional champion in boys basketball, a state wrestling champion, and sectional medalists in track and field.

He challenged the class directly before he closed.

"I want to challenge each of you as you move through life to always add value to someone," Ragan said. "Add value to your friends, your family, your coworkers, your community every single day. If you can add value to someone else, you will improve our community and our world and move our world forward."

He quoted his son AJ, a second-grader, whose wish was "when it rains, I wish it would rain dollar bills and king-size KitKat bars" - offered as a reminder to see the world through a child's eyes. He returned to Benjamin Franklin: "The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself."

He closed with the class motto: "one path but many journeys."

Principal's Address

Principal Tadd Ragan delivered extensive remarks highlighting the extraordinary accomplishments of the Class of 2025.

"Good morning again, and welcome friends, families, faculty, staff, community members, alumni, and graduates. My name is Tadd Ragan. I'm the proud principal of Coconino High School. It is an exceptional honor to stand here before you to recognize our graduating Class of 2025 and award the diplomas."

Ragan painted a picture of exceptional students who had transformed their school.

"Today, the students seated here, the Class of 2025, are celebrating their many accomplishments, their completion of 13 years of education, and their walk across the threshold to their shining future. These students are unstoppable and have left an indelible mark on Coconino High School. Their unwavering spirit, determination, commitment to excellence, and pride in scholarship have been evident in everything they have achieved."

He described their character and impact. "One shining example and a point of pride for me is how these students are thriving and vibing. They continue to demonstrate what it means to show Panther pride. They have demonstrated to their peers what it means to be a Panther in the classroom, in the hallways, during assemblies and performances, on the field, court, or track, and as spectators."

Ragan reflected on his connection to many graduates. "As I was preparing these opening remarks, I found myself both emotional and reflective. This is truly a remarkable group of students, and I love them all. Many of these young adults I have known since sixth grade. It has been an honor and a point of pride to watch them grow over the last seven years."

The principal detailed their comprehensive excellence. "They have excelled academically. Many of them have earned scholarships, academic awards, recognitions, and prestigious accolades, setting a high standard for future generations. Beyond their academic and athletic prowess, the Class of 2025 has also demonstrated exceptional leadership. They have shown a commitment to service, dedicating their time and efforts to various community projects, making a positive impact on the lives of those around them."

He continued cataloging their achievements. "They have energized school pride and spirit, organized school-wide events, competed athletically, excelled academically, volunteered at local organizations, built strong relationships with their teachers, and actively participated in initiatives to improve school culture and build a stronger community. The Class of 2025 has showcased their talents and passions through various extracurricular activities, whether it be in sports, performing arts, robotics, chess, scholarship, as well as other fields, these students have excelled and brought tremendous pride and spirit to Coconino High School."

Ragan then presented an impressive array of specific accomplishments. "In the class of 2025, we have 135 students who received honor roll recognition and many others received scholarships based on their academic merit, Poetry Out Loud regional finalists and represented CHS at the state level, nine AP scholar candidates, five of whom got honors recognition, CHS international baccalaureate IB diploma candidates, career and technical education scholarship recipients."

The academic achievements continued. "Several students graduating from high school with college credits earned through the dual enrollment and the caveat program. Over half the graduates completed at least one career or technical education program—students who are graduating from Coconino High School and from Coconino Community College. Seventeen students have earned the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy on their diplomas. This seal signifies that the students can read, write, communicate, and think critically in two languages."

Ragan highlighted scholarship recipients and recognition programs. "We have Hispanic Convocation Honorees, Native American Convocation Honorees, a national recognition by the College Board for National Indigenous Recognition Program, Chief Manuelito Scholarship, six candidates, QuestBridge National Match, two recipients, Gates Scholarship, two recipients, a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar recipient, 43 NAU Lumberjack recipients, 31 U of A Wildcat Excellence Scholarship recipients, 19 ASU New American Scholarship recipients, one award-winning artist, one GCU Colangelo Scholarship recipient, two College Knowing & Going Ambassadors."

Athletic and service achievements rounded out the impressive list.

"Several athletes have athletic-based scholarships and universities at universities and colleges. JROTC candidates who will be serving our country in the military. A full scholarship to the Naval Academy recipients. A published poet. City Championship football team for the eighth year in a row. A four-time regional champion softball team. A 4A state champion softball team. Track and field sectional gold and bronze winners. Coconino Institute of Technology and Career and Technical Education completers. Golden yearbook program of excellence. Members of student government. Links, mentor leaders. Students have volunteered endless hours to give back to their community. Members of the World Hall of Fame robotics team and the FIRST Championship and Impact Award recipients. JROTC Cyber Patriot team was placed at the top in the state."

The culminating achievement drew enthusiastic applause.

"And this is what I'm most proud of. Collectively, this Class has earned over $4 million in scholarships. You can see why I introduce myself as the proud principal of Coconino High School."

Ragan offered guidance for the future.

"To the graduating Class of 2025, I want to congratulate each and every one of you for your individual and collective achievements. You have worked tirelessly to overcome obstacles and embrace the challenges along the way. Today, as you walk, skip, across this stage to receive diplomas and embark on your future endeavors, I hope you let the lessons and values you've learned at Coconino High School guide you towards positively impacting the world."

He continued with life advice.

"Pursue your passions with determination, continue to face adversity with resilience, and always strive for excellence. Find your person or people to support you on your journey, or be that support for someone else. Be kind to all as we collectively navigate the complexities of Life."

Ragan concluded with gratitude and inspiration.

"Thank you for showing us that anything is possible with hard work, the right attitude, and the never-quit mindset. This Panther pride and the legacy of the CHS graduating class of 2025 will always bind us together. I'll wrap it up with one of my favorite quotes from Benjamin Franklin, 'The U.S. Constitution does not guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself.' This graduation ceremony marks the passage into your future. You are the Coconino High School class of 2025. The tassel was worth the hassle. Press on, and together, we will always be Panther Strong."

The Tribute

After the senior slideshow, three students took the stage to present Ragan with a plaque. They spoke without much ceremony about someone they had known for most of their school lives.

"This guy, he's been following us for the last seven years and never letting us out of his sight," Christian Velazquez said. "And he's never had a change of haircut."

"Without his support and confidence in our abilities, we would not be where we are today," Kaitlyn Martinet said. "We are endlessly grateful for his encouragement and dedication to our students."

"He has made such an impact on Coconino in all of our lives," Eva Wilke said. "We are so glad that we have gotten to have him be such a big part of our high school careers. We wish him luck as he moves on from Coconino."

Ending, Martinet said, "While his next chapter begins, his influence on the school and his students will not be forgotten."

Honor Address

Luke Edden opened the student addresses by asking the class to think back to who they were as freshmen.

"Four years ago, I walked into Coconino High School for the first time in my life at the very humble height of 4'8", with one unfortunate goal, the goal of fitting in," Edden said. He called it an unfortunate goal because it runs directly against everything that makes a person distinct, and he argued that the most important lesson Coconino taught the class wasn't delivered by any single teacher in any single classroom.

"The most important thing Coconino High School's class of 2026 learned was that we could be anyone we wanted to be in this world." He closed simply: "In a world where you can choose to be like anyone, always choose to be yourself."

Senior Address

Senior class president Azulette Martinez opened her remarks by asking the graduates to look up at the people in the stands.

"The amount of love is staggering," she said.

She spoke about family in terms that didn't sound like a prepared speech - she described the people in those stands as "that soft, warm place you need after a long day, whether it's your mom waiting with a warm tea or your little siblings deciding, today is the day I choose to be a menace to society and you cannot stop me."

She was direct about what comes after the ceremony.

"After the ceremony, once we take off the cap and gown, the grad parties end, and all of a sudden, senior year is just a memory; that is when the weight of the world is placed on our shoulders."

But she pushed back against the idea that graduation is an ending.

"Feel these emotions, but understand this is genuinely the beginning of our lives."

Teacher Dedicatee Dave Tessmer

Shilah Chase and Catherine O'Bryant introduced the two teacher dedicatees.

Dave Tessmer, selected as male teacher dedicatee by student vote, opened with a confession: "I was given the task to give a three-minute speech. ChatGPT told me that that's about 375 words, so here we go."

He asked the class to spend ten seconds in silence reflecting on what they were grateful for. He talked about laughter as something the world actively tries to steal, and about faith as an anchor - comparing a life without it to a ship pushed wherever the current takes it when the seas turn rough. His final lines went to his students specifically.

"To my 53 graduating seniors out of the 300, I truly am inspired by each of you. You are important to me, and I love you."

Then he checked his count: "360 words. It is finished."

Teacher Dedicatee Kelly Martinez

Kelly Marquez, the yearbook teacher named as female dedicatee, said that her job gives her a view of the school that most teachers don't have - years of reviewing photos, page designs, and quotes have let her know every student as an individual.

She named four from the Class of 2026: Jaiden James, who organized weekly prayer walks on campus; Aiyana Wadsworth, who served as indigenous ambassador and helped plan events honoring Native American culture and traditions; Samantha Franklin, who started her own photography business while documenting the school community through a student's perspective; and Isaac Moody, who Marquez described as embracing a leadership role that taught others about forgiveness, strength, and community.

Marquez also surfaced a phrase the student council has used almost daily throughout the year: "be a thermostat, not a thermometer."

A thermometer reflects the temperature in a room. A thermostat sets it.

She described watching it play out at school dances, where Marcelo Samano and Andrew Garcia would walk onto an empty floor and pull others with them.

"That is a thermostat," she said. "They came in, they saw the temperature, they set the thermostat, and they changed the climate."

She asked the class to carry that instinct into whatever came next.

Closing Moments

Student body president Nayeli Carbajal-Pettry opened her remarks with two words - "It's over" - and then itemized exactly what was over in language that fit her audience: "every late night studying for a test, every presentation you swore you were going to fail, every assignment you started at 11:58 p.m., every side quest you went on instead of doing homework, every procrastination doomscroll."

She quoted Bad Bunny - "things always change, the world changes, people change, everything changes, except what's good" - and made the case that because things change, the right response is to hold on deliberately to the people and moments that matter.

"Take one more picture for your mom, go on that side quest with your dad, take a walk with your sister, and play Fortnite with your little brother."

She closed with something that couldn't help but make you smile.

"It's simply never a true goodbye, it's just a, smell you later, we made it. Congratulations, Class of 2026"

Final Thoughts from Sean

One Path, Many Journeys

The Class of 2026's motto is "one path but many journeys."

Ragan closed with it, it was on the program, and I've been thinking about it as I write this.

Your path is your path.

You can take detours, make wrong turns, spend years heading somewhere you didn't plan, and you are still on some version of the path that is your life.

The only way you leave it is when you die.

But the journeys within it - the relationships, the decisions, the moments that redirected everything - those are many, and they are yours.

What the 4,400 photos from Friday tell you is what this moment looked like. What they can't tell you is what it meant.

So, pick up a pen.

Pull out your phone and open a notes app, a voice recorder, anything.

Write down who the important people are in your life right now and why.

Write down what this moment means to you today, before the feeling shifts.

Write down the landmarks, the places and the people that are reference points on your path.

Write down when you knew, or started to figure out, why this is where you were supposed to be.

Write down why it matters.

Write down how you got here.

You don't need to post any of it (and you shouldn't).

This is for your future self, who will want to know not just what this moment looked like, but what it meant.

Your camera will never be able to answer that. Those words are locked inside you and not in the images you take to represent this moment.

What do you have to lose?