Fulfilling the Promise: Class of 2026 Profiles

Five years ago, Corvallis students participated in the Oregon School Boards Association’s “Promise of Oregon” campaign, highlighting the importance of investing in public education to prepare the next generation for college and the workforce. This year, as three of those featured students graduate, the district is revisiting their stories. Below, we check in on their progress since 2021 and explore their plans for life after high school.

Isaac Fleming, Corvallis High School

During his time in the Corvallis School District, Isaac was a dual-sport athlete, competing in both soccer and track and field for all four years of high school.

While he initially imagined himself staying close to home at Oregon State University, Isaac’s talent in discus and shot put opened new doors. Because OSU does not host a men’s track team, Isaac looked nearby for a school, ultimately committing to Western Oregon University, where he could compete at the collegiate level while remaining close enough for his family to cheer him on from the stands.

Beyond the field, Isaac’s time in the district was defined by his commitment to his peers. He served in leadership during his sophomore, junior, and senior years, a role he describes as a true passion. His entrepreneurial spirit also flourished outside of school hours; Isaac has spent his recent years doing custom cabinetry and running a landscaping business where he even hired his own friends to work alongside him.

His interest in the digital world was sparked by a unique crossover: serving as the soccer team’s videographer. This role initiated a deep interest in the intersection of athletics, video, and marketing. As he moves forward, Isaac is eyeing a future in social media marketing, potentially for a record label or a small marketing firm.

Reflecting on his journey, Isaac shared: “I’m leaving the Corvallis School District feeling prepared for my future and ready to continue my leadership journey.”

Ruby Lopez Garcia, Corvallis High School

Throughout her time at Corvallis High School, Ruby has become an essential part of the school’s support system. She took on the responsibility of running the Vina Moses clothes closet, where she learned how to wash and organize clothing to ensure every student had access to what they needed. Ruby has also held a steady job every summer, building a foundation of reliability and experience.

Looking back, the younger Ruby might have been surprised to see just how much of a leader she became within the CHS halls. Her senior year has been a season of celebration, and she enters this next chapter with a clear vision. Ruby is particularly interested in pursuing an office job that allows her to work with computers.

As she prepares for the transition, Ruby is eager to continue her growth: “I’m leaving the Corvallis School District feeling excited and ready to attend the WINGS program.”

For Ruby, the next “promise” is a personal one: to stay happy and focused as she transitions into the WINGS program (the district’s transition program for young adults). Her journey from the 2021 campaign to today shows a student who is not only ready for the workplace but also ready to make her community a better place.

Kelly Carbajal Refugio, College Hill

Kelly’s senior year was highlighted by a pivotal experience: a ride-along with the Corvallis Police Department. While she hadn’t originally envisioned herself joining an officer on duty, the experience solidified her career choice. “It was fun and interesting,” Kelly noted, adding that the experience taught her that law enforcement requires a great deal of patience and insight.

Beyond her academic and career pursuits, Kelly has been a vibrant part of the school community, serving as a cheerleader for Corvallis High School for the past three years. She credits much of her success to the environment at College Hill, where the respectful and caring staff helped her secure her police ride-along and provided the support she needed to stay focused on her long-term objectives.

As she looks toward the future, Kelly’s path is clearly defined: she will attend Linn-Benton Community College before transferring to Western Oregon University to major in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with the ultimate goal of enrolling in the FBI Academy.

Reflecting on her time in the district, Kelly shared: “I’m leaving the Corvallis School District feeling grateful for the support of staff at College Hill and excited and ready to achieve my goals.”

By sticking to the promise she made to herself years ago, Kelly is a shining example of what happens when a student’s ambition meets the right mentorship.

Fulfilling the Corvallis Promise

Earlier this year, the district shared its new vision for educational programming titled the Corvallis Promise. The vision was designed with staff, students, and community partners to answer the question: What does it truly mean to be a graduate of the Corvallis School District?

The stories and educational experiences of Isaac, Ruby, and Kelly represent the heart of the Corvallis Promise. They demonstrate skills and knowledge outlined in our Profile of a Graduate:

• Demonstrate agency, motivation, and vision for college, career, and life opportunities.
• Approach challenges with curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to explore new ideas.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness, curiosity, and empathy for people locally and globally.
• Engage in civic responsibility, contribute to community wellbeing, and reflect on systemic inequities.
• Practice empathy, compassion, and perspective-taking.
• Demonstrate responsibility, time management, and dependable work habits.
• Advocate for themselves through self-awareness and reflection.
• Set meaningful and attainable goals, monitor progress, and adjust strategies.

Whether our students find a goal early and pursue it, or explore new passions and change their goals, they demonstrate the value and purpose of public education.