(Seguin) — For the past four years, Madison Morales and Cheng Chen have pushed each other to the top of their class at Seguin High School.
Morales, the Class of 2026 salutatorian, and Chen, this year’s valedictorian, have held the number two and number one spots, respectively, every semester since their freshman year.
Morales says she has long hoped to earn the title of salutatorian.
“I had hoped so. I sort of knew. I’ve been second in rank since my freshman year, so it’s been an accomplishment that I work for,” said Morales.
She says the competition between her and Chen was never cutthroat but instead motivating.
“There definitely was friendly competition. Yeah, there was. Yeah, there definitely was,” said Morales. And more like, we pushed each other, so we both accomplished a lot because of it.”
As for her future, Morales says she plans to attend Houston Christian University.
“I’m going to Houston Christian University to major in animation, and I also want to possibly double major in theology as well.”
As she prepares to address her classmates one final time, Morales says she wants the Class of 2026 to celebrate how far they have come.
“Class of 2026, we did it. We finished, we completed the race, and I believe that we’re all on to do more wonderful things. And I’m very proud of everyone here,” said Morales.
For Chen, graduation marks more than the end of high school.
While many students are just beginning to think about independence, Chen says he has already been living it.
During his senior year, he chose to remain in Seguin after his family moved to Houston.
“I don’t think many people know, but actually I’m living on my own this senior year in my own apartment. It is mainly a choice because, like I said, I’m coming to senior year knowing that I’m valedictorian and I have so . many leadership roles. So, switching to a different school with my family because they moved to Houston, which is all the way on the other side of Texas — I don’t want to go all the way over there. I want to keep the things, keep the leadership roles and then making sure staying here where I’m used to and I’m familiar with and all my teachers, everything that’s holding me (together),” said Chen.
It’s no surprise, however, to see Chen’s optimism. He says living on his own has given him a head start on adulthood.
“I’m kind of, basically getting myself used to how dorms are, being on my own, cooking, going to places on myself, paying bills, checking bills, everything, just kind of early adulting, I suppose, but without having too much pressure yet, because I’m still in high school,” said Chen.
This experience will no doubt be a part of his speech and overall message to his fellow students. He says it’s important to stay in tuned to what is important.
“Enjoy your time in high school. I’ve always been staying busy for these (past) few years, and I haven’t had too much time with family and all that. Spend some more time with family, because during college, you’ll be away and it’ll be a stressful time with your family or without your family,” said Chen.
As for his future, Chen says he isn’t wasting any time. He has enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and will leave for boot camp just one week after graduation.
“I’m actually already enlisted in the Marine Corps. As reserve, I have my MOS as 1345, the heavy equipment operator. So, I will be shipping out actually a week right after graduation. I’m shipping out June 1st to boot camp,” said Chen.
After completing boot camp, Chen plans to begin classes at Texas A&M University.
“I will be attending A&M College Station in the spring term. For that, I will be studying a major in computer science, electrical engineering and a minor in cybersecurity, as well as joining the Corps of Cadets. And I’m actually thinking of going the officer route with Marine Corps, but as well as at the same time will be a reserve so I can have my civilian life too, because I’m really into the cyber field, so that’s one of my passions for my full time. And I’ve been looking really forward to it,” said Chen.
The 2026 Seguin High School Graduation Ceremony will be held Friday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Matador Stadium.