Resilience and achievement were the themes of Renton Technical College’s joyous 2026 Commencement Ceremony, as more than 700 students crossed the stage to earn a diploma, certificate, or degree.

Student speakers Onecima Izazaga Moreno and Rocelle Harris (pictured left) shared deeply personal stories of perseverance, reminding classmates that every graduate arrived with a different journey but crossed the same finish line.

“Here, it doesn’t matter where you come from, what language you speak, or how many times you have doubted yourself,” Onecima said in her moving speech delivered mostly in Spanish. “What matters is that you have a dream and that you are willing to take the first step.”

She came to RTC seeking both a high school diploma and a new career. After earning a $6,000 McCarthy Bridge Grant, she completed the Business Coordinator Program.

“If someone like me, a woman, an immigrant, someone who once lost all hope, can stand here today, then you can achieve whatever you set your mind to,” she said. “RTC changed my life. And today, standing here on this stage, I want to tell you that your dreams also have a place here.”

Rocelle, known as Chef Row, described herself as a mother, survivor, and formerly incarcerated woman who chose to rewrite her future. She graduated from the Culinary Arts Program. At RTC, she served as vice president of the Associated Student Government, founded the Culinary Grind Club, and earned multiple scholarships and awards.

“There was a time when I felt trapped by my past and the mistakes I had made. There were moments when I wondered if people would ever see me for who I was becoming instead of who I used to be,” she said, holding back tears. “But I learned something powerful: our past may explain where we came from, but it does not determine where we are going.”

Before RTC, she was involved with Fare Start, a nonprofit that helps individuals facing barriers gain culinary skills.

“When I first walked into Fare Start, I was looking for a second chance. When I walked into RTC, I was looking for an education,” she said. “What I found in both places was a community that challenged me to become more than I thought I could be.”

More than 1,250 students graduated during 2025–2026, earning about 480 certificates, 530 degrees, and 240 high school diplomas. RTC Board of Trustees Chair Tim Cooper recognized the graduates’ hard work. 

“You chose to thrive, not just to get by, not just to survive, but to thrive,” he said. “You chose a path that asked something real of you, and you delivered. You are skilled. You are resilient. You are ready.”

Dr. Yoshiko Harden, RTC President, acknowledged student success, even as global and national events affect students and the costs of groceries and gas rise.

“It is a tough time to be a college student. Your achievements tonight are that much greater,” she said. “It’s hard to start college, and you chose to pursue your education during uncertain times. Tonight, you are at a crossing point – the ending of your studies at RTC and the beginning of your next chapter.”

Chef Row reminded everyone to celebrate their achievements.

“Some of us had moments when we wondered if we would even make it to this day. But look at us now. We made it!” she said. “We are not leaving RTC as the same people who arrived here. We are leaving stronger. We are leaving wiser. We are leaving with skills, purpose, and proof that we can do hard things.”

Watch the full ceremony online and view the list of graduates on our Grad26 page. View the RTC photo gallery or pictures from the photo booth.