Atascadero High's Class of 2026 urged to take 'Five More Minutes'

By Mike Chaldu · Mon Jun 08 2026

Graduating seniors urged to take time to remember the moments and look 'past the robes' at students' stories

ATASCADERO — Atascadero High Principal Nikki Baca spoke before the school's Class of 2026 during AHS's 105th commencement on Wednesday, June 3. Looking out over the group of 285 graduating seniors she had gotten to know over her three years as principal — all decked out in gray and orange gowns and mortarboards — Baca asked them for one favor.

Five more minutes.

"Every year I choose a song that becomes a kind of a theme for the graduating class," Baca said to the students seated en masse on the football field as family and friends watched from the bleachers. "It has become a tradition and partially a challenge. This year, I didn’t have to go looking for it."

The principal then recounted how she was at the school's powder-puff football game between the senior and junior females and during halftime heard the song "Five More Minutes" by country artist Scotty McCreery and referenced the lyrics "Time rolls by, the clock don't stop/I wish I had a few more drops/Of the good stuff, the good times/Oh, but they just keep on flyin'

Right on by, like it ain't nothin'/I wish I had me a, a pause button/Moments like those, Lord knows I'd hit it/And give myself five more minutes."

"As your principal who has gotten to actually live these years with you, I related to those words and agreed, I want five more minutes to pause, to acknowledge, to appreciate you!" Baca said. "Five more minutes of the big game, five more minutes of Prom, five more minutes of the 'SpongeBob' musical, five more minutes of the film festival, five more minutes of watching you walking the halls, not just as the graduating class, but just as you, and all the small, ordinary, unforgettable moments that don’t always get conveyed until they’re gone."

Baca's address was just one of many moments in the commencement ceremony, which ultimately saw the Class of 2026 receive their diplomas to enthusiastic cheers, but not before reminiscing along with some speakers.

The ceremony started with the graduating seniors filing into the stadium, and AHS's ASB President Melislei Tonga welcoming everyone to the ceremony. After thanking friends and families for coming, and the principal and faculty, Tonga addressed her classmates.

"Standing here today, I’m filled with gratitude and pride. Not just because of what we’ve accomplished as individuals, but what we achieved together," she said. "We face challenges, celebrated victories, and grown into the people we are today, ready to take our next step into our future."

After that Baca introduced the school's top 10 students in GPA. She introduced the first eight as they stood up to be recognized: Emiko Lundberg (4.46 GPA), Leanna King (4.46), Drake Armstrong (4.46), Damian Marano (4.48), Jonathan Mankins (4.50), Braden Morris (4.54), Ella Robertson (4.56), Matilda Ralston (4.57).

She then brought up the top two, first introducing Salutatorian Lucas Vance,who had a 4.6 GPA.

"He plans to attend UCLA in the fall in cognitive science with a plan to pursue academia," Baca announced. "He would like to thank his parents for their unwavering love and guidance throughout life. Lucas, we are proud of your accomplishments and excited to see what you will do next."

Finally, Valedictorian Samantha Coloma was introduced, having the top GPA in school at 4.65.

"[Samantha] will also be attending UCLA in the fall, majoring in physiological science on the pre-med track with hopes of becoming either an anathesiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon," Baca said before reading off the names of those she thanked for helping her through the four years, saving the best for last.

"Most importantly, she would like to thank her parents who immigrated from Philippines and worked hard to build the life they have today," Baca said.

Also addressing the Class of 2026 during the ceremony was student speaker Damian Marano, who told his classmates that they are just the latest AHS seniors to wear the gray and orange robes and "funny-looking hats," but he chooses to look beyond the robes and think of the stories behind the Class of 2026.

"Look past the robes, and you’ll see the freshmen who witnessed the school’s first football State Championship," he said. "Look past the robes and you’ll see the sophomores who wondered if the pool would ever be rebuilt. Look past the robes and you’ll see the juniors counting down the days until they can park in the upper lot. Look past the robes and you’ll see the seniors who’ve accepted that no matter where you park at AHS, you’re still going to be stuck in traffic after school."

Marano also wanted to remember the seniors' achievement in 2026.

"We saw Emma Garrett become Atascadero’s first-ever female wrestler CIF champ," he continued. "We watched theatrical geniuses like Jonah Sullivan bring characters such as SpongeBob to life. And will now see Jaycee Salas lead the entire state as the President of the FFA next year!"

Marano concluded with, "So as we step off this field, don’t settle for a path that’s been paved. Build your own. Leave a legacy so distinct that the next student standing here doesn’t just see a robe; they see a standard that we set. Our chapter as Greyhounds has become part of history; now it’s time for us to go write the rest of our story. I can’t wait to see what we all do next."

Circling back to Principal Baca's speech, she ended it with, "When life moves too fast — and it will — don’t be afraid to take five minutes to pause, reflect, appreciate or just enjoy it! Every minute of this life is precious. Don’t take it for granted, don’t waste it, because the next time you try to get in here, you’ll have to buy a ticket, Class of 2026, thanks for giving me my five more minutes!"

Congratulations to the Atascadero High School Class of 2026, and enjoy all of your instances of "five more minutes."

Photos by Rick Evans/ATN