Hollister
– High school graduation is a bittersweet rite of passage for
most seniors: a moment when they leave their childhood and embark
on the next section of their lives.
Hollister – High school graduation is a bittersweet rite of passage for most seniors: a moment when they leave their childhood and embark on the next section of their lives.
San Benito High School recognized its 509 graduating seniors at Thursday’s commencement ceremony. The students, cloaked in red or white graduation gowns, were a mass of energy and excitement. They cheered on their classmates and friends, some of whom performed or spoke and others who were acknowledged for their academic or athletic achievement.
“Take a moment to reflect upon the challenges you overcame to reach this milestone in your lives,” Principal Debbie Padilla said, addressing the graduates.
While much of the event was marked with excitement, many of the students did take time to think about what graduating really meant.
“It feels like a lot of pressure’s off, but it’s a mixed feeling,” said Mitch Ranalli, 17, after receiving his diploma. “I’m glad I’m done, but I’m sad because I’m going to miss my friends and the relationships I’ve made.”
At the ceremony, family, friends and members of the community came out to show their support for the newest class of ‘Baler alumni.
The commencement had the theme, “Pathway to Success,” a concept many of the speakers addressed in their speeches.
Kayla Ferriera, the salutatorian, spoke of an epiphany she had had in the weeks leading up to graduation.
“A surreal realization of the real meaning of graduation hit me. Graduation is an end and a beginning. A crossroad to the question: Who do you want to become?” she said. “The time has come to chase our dreams and find our futures.”
The students’ futures vary. Orlando Scoggins, 18, plans to take classes in real estate this summer and pursue his real estate license. Megan Cascio, 17, and Alli Denby, 18, both plan to go cosmetology school. Jonathan Scott, 18, plans to study law enforcement at Gavilan College, and Peter Pham, 17, will attend Stanford in the fall, where he hopes to study computer programming.
Associated Student Body president Adriana Valasco said no matter where their lives take them, the graduates all had the shared past of having attended San Benito High School.
“We will all be rich in memories of the time we spent as Haybalers,” she said.
Following the ceremony, after the music swelled playing the Rascal Flatts song “Life is a Highway,” the students were greeted by balloons and flowers from their friends and families.
Anka Vuksich of San Jose was at the commencement ceremony to watch her grandson graduate.
“We’re very proud of him. He’s got his future well mapped out,” she said. “It’s exciting to know how much the kids have accomplished and how much they’ll continue to accomplish.”
