Thursday, October 1, 2026
More than 500 Uniondale High School seniors crossed the stage Saturday during the district’s commencement ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 before beginning the next chapter of their academic and professional journeys.
Among those recognized were valedictorian Sarah Guadalupe Ramirez Calderon and salutatorian Lisbeth Sarai Martinez Guerra, whose years of academic achievement earned them the top two spots in the graduating class.
Guadalupe Ramirez Calderon, a first-generation college student whose parents immigrated from El Salvador, will attend Brown University this fall, where she plans to study political science while exploring other academic interests through the university’s open curriculum.
Reflecting on earning the title of valedictorian, Guadalupe Ramirez Calderon said the achievement belonged to everyone who supported her throughout her academic journey.
“It’s not my achievement to boast,” she said. “When I found out, the first thing I did was tell everyone else because they have to celebrate with me too. There is no way I could have done it by myself.”
Salutatorian Martinez Guerra will attend Duke University, where she plans to study sociology with a concentration in crime, law and justice before pursuing a career in law enforcement.
The daughter of Salvadoran immigrants and the oldest of several siblings, Martinez Guerra said her family’s sacrifices motivated her throughout high school.
“That was the main driving force that pushed me, because I wanted them to know that they didn’t come here for nothing,” she said. “Coming here was a good thing.”
Uniondale student board president Valentina Goris presented a speech as well adding her experience during Uniondale and praised her colleagues and friends.
Saturday’s ceremony celebration began with the JROTC color guard followed by the achievements of more than 500 graduates as they prepare to attend colleges and universities across the country, enter the workforce and pursue careers in public service, business, health care, the military and other fields.
