ITCA Class of 2026 Celebrates Graduation in Meridian 

On May 26, families traveled from across Idaho to watch Idaho Technical Career Academy students walk across a stage to receive their diplomas. The moment capped a journey at ITCA four years in the making.

ITCA’s 11th graduating class featured 29 graduates from 15 counties and 24 cities and towns throughout Idaho. Nine students graduated with honors, and 142 earned industry-recognized certifications.

Supported Every Step of the Way

Throughout the ceremony, student speakers returned to a message that fit the day: no graduate reached this point alone.

Class valedictorian Kate, from Star, thanked family, friends, and others who encouraged students during difficult times at school. Salutatorian Corin reflected on the importance of support systems—family, friends and teachers. Student speaker Sean, from Boise, discussed what community means for an online school.

“Community isn’t built by hallways or cafeterias or auditoriums,” Sean said. “It’s built by people—by teachers and staff, by parents, by classmates who made hard days a little easier.”

For ITCA’s Class of 2026, graduation gave students the chance to see that community gathered in one room.

“Today we celebrate more than academic achievement—we celebrate determination, resilience, and the unique journey each graduate has taken to reach this milestone,” said Tony Hilde, ITCA CTE coordinator and interim executive director. “Our students come from communities across Idaho, yet they have built meaningful connections and supported one another along the way. The Class of 2026 has demonstrated what is possible when students, families, teachers, and staff work together toward a common goal. We are honored to be part of their story and look forward to all they will accomplish in the years ahead.”

From Coursework to Career

Kate’s path to graduation was inspired outside the classroom and shaped within it. Through ITCA’s career-technical program, she completed coursework in medical assisting and electrocardiography, earning CTE credentials in both fields. After graduation, she said she is pursuing a career as a registered nurse—a path inspired by her mother.

At ITCA, Sean was pointed in a different direction. A teacher’s encouragement during his first year at ITCA led him to speech and writing, and then to journalism. After graduation, he will attend college in Florida to study journalism.

Congratulations to this year’s graduates, and thank you to the families, teachers, and staff who helped get them there.

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