WALDORF — Westlake High School held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 on June 3 at Regency Furniture Stadium, where 303 seniors received diplomas.
Valedictorian Christopher Chubbs Jr. earned the full Banneker/Key Scholarship to the University of Maryland, College Park, where he will study computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity. He encouraged classmates to pursue their futures with confidence. “I believe that each and every one of you are capable of being amazing,” Chubbs said. “And all our greatest paths have yet to be relieved. I ask that you believe in yourselves in the good and hard times.”
Salutatorian Bianca Lepe will major in molecular biology at the University of California, Davis, with plans to become a cardiologist. She spoke about strength gained from family during difficult times. The family lost both grandmothers and Lepe’s older sister, Cristin, in January. “When I think of resilience and sacrifice for others, the first two things that come to my mind are my family and their love for each other,” Lepe said. “Strength does not lead to an easier life. Strength continues when life seems like it’s impossible to continue. Moving forward does mean you are leaving the people you love behind. Moving forward means you are carrying those people with you.”
Westlake Principal Dana Fenwick noted the challenges the class faced, including a pandemic, leadership changes at school, social media pressure and personal struggles. “If we’re being honest, this class has been through it,” Fenwick said. “You all were not always easy. You questioned authority, you tested limits, some of y’all treated deadlines as suggestions and mastered the phrase, ‘I was just about to do that.’”
Fenwick said the class showed resilience. “You adapted; you survived chaos. And people who survive chaos usually become strong adults,” she said. “Real strength is not acting tough, it’s about accountability.” She added that the graduates have shown character by supporting each other. “I believe in this class. I’ve seen you support each other, I’ve seen you overcome struggles that people never knew about. Because every graduate has a story and no matter where you started, look where you are now. Here — graduating. And that matters.”
Chubbs closed by saying, “It is a great day to be a Wolverine.”
The ceremony formed part of Charles County Public Schools graduation events. Westlake High School serves students in the Waldorf area. Graduates pursue paths including engineering, computer science, molecular biology and medicine at institutions such as the University of Maryland, College Park and the University of California, Davis.
