(Marion) — The Marion ISD has announced the top two graduates for the Marion High School Class of 2026. Those being recognized are Valedictorian Brianni Morales and Salutatorian Kaitlyn Rackley.
Morales says her journey to the top academic rank began shortly after she transferred to Marion High School from San Antonio during her freshman year.
“When I came to Marion my freshman year, I didn’t have any intention of making my way in the ranks,” said Morales. “But by the first semester, we had gotten our ranks back, and I was number three. And when I saw the three, it just motivated me to make it as number one. So, I have been fighting for it for a while.”
This fall, Morales will attend The University of Texas at Austin, where she plans to major in biology on a pre-med track before pursuing medical school.
Morales says this Friday, her graduation speech will focus on appreciation and gratitude for the things before us.
“My message is that we stop saying we can’t wait for future events and that we just live in the moment and cherish in the moment because I often find myself saying I can’t wait for next Friday, I can’t wait for the semester end, I can’t wait to graduate,” said Morales. “But I think we just need to slow down and live in the moment.”
For Rackley, she says earning the salutatorian title was the result of plenty of hard work.
“I wouldn’t say I was specifically fighting for the spot, but I was definitely all through high school working really hard in the classroom to maintain my grades,” said Rackley. “And I pushed myself a lot in the classroom, so I definitely had to earn this spot, but my main goal was just to do the best I could.”
Rackley says she too has plans that will begin this fall.
“In the fall, I am heading to the United States Air Force Academy to continue pole vaulting,” said Rackley. “And I plan on majoring in biology on the pre-med track and then going to med school after that.”
Rackley says her message to classmates will reflect on the importance of making the most of life and appreciating those around us.
“My biggest message on Friday night is it’s going to be about not taking the time that we have on Earth for granted. We’ve had a few losses in our community recently, and it’s definitely caused some heartache in our community. So, I think the biggest takeaway from my time here is just that we have a precious short time here, and we have to do our very best to make the most of it and make sure others know that we love them,” said Rackley.
Both Morales and Rackley expressed gratitude to their teachers, staff members and families for helping shape their high school experience and making their time at Marion High School both memorable and meaningful.
Marion High School’s Class of 2026 will receive their diplomas during commencement ceremonies scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Veterans Stadium in Marion.
For these graduating seniors, the ceremony marks the official end of their high school careers. Students in all other grade levels will continue classes for another week, with the school year ending Friday, May 29.