The Class of 2010 at San Benito High School was one for the
record books. That was apparent at the June 3 graduation ceremony
at Andy Hardin Field. This was a special class in a variety of
areas
– in academics, athletics and the arts – and they left their
influence in all of the areas.
Get a special graduation section in Tuesday’s edition of the
Free Lance.
The Class of 2010 at San Benito High School was one for the record books.
That was apparent at the June 3 graduation ceremony at Andy Hardin Field. This was a special class in a variety of areas – in academics, athletics and the arts – and they left their influence in all of the areas.
Katie Thorpe, the student body president, noted the recent fifth-straight Central Coast Section title by the softball team and went on to point out other championships in basketball, baseball, track and swimming. She mentioned how many students were accepted to prestigious universities, and how test scores were the “highest the school has ever seen.”
She also talked about the group’s penchant for fundraising and giving back.
“The leaders we read about in history books are the ones who accomplished what others told them they couldn’t do,” she said. “We have proven we don’t believe in the impossible.”
Thorpe spoke after more than 600 students had walked into the ceremony to “Pomp and Circumstance,” as cameras flashed and family members cheered. The girls were decked out in white robes, many in high heels and dresses. The boys wore Baler red and most had on sneakers. Many students had leis, made of flowers or money. Teachers Mario Ferrito and Chuck Schallhorn served as the masters of ceremony, and offered jokes to break up the two-and-half-hour event.
Maria Alvarado gave the salutatory speech and Ali Bootwala gave the valedictory speech, in which they both recognized their friends, family and the entire class.
During the ceremony, Hanna Bernosky sang “For Good,” Sarah Pack, Kelly Raper and Jessica Romo performed “Let It Be,” and Marina Diosdado read the poem “Today is the Day,” in Spanish and in English.
After all the speeches were done, the students were invited to cross the stage to receive their diploma cases – they will be allowed to pick up diplomas later in the summer. After the last students had crossed the stage, Kyle Vallejo and Monique Bishop, the scholar athletes of the year, led the students in the tassel change. Families cheered as red and white balloons and confetti were launched into the air.
Through many speeches the common theme seemed to be that the Class of 2010 had spirit as well as compassion. The Benefit Ball, which this year raised $17,000, garnered several mentions.
Thorpe challenged her classmates to stand up one more time and do the “punch dance,” a routine they made up while fundraising on behalf of student Diana Magana, who has cancer.
“The monetary gifts come nowhere near the gift Diana has given to this entire community,” Thorpe said. “Life has been and always will be what you make it.”
After thanking guests during the event’s first speech, Thorpe also acknowledged the role close friends played in her four years at the high school.
“You made me laugh when I was ready to crumble into a thousand pieces,” she said. “You supported me through all the crazy things.”
Gia Scagliotti, the senior class president, gave the senior address.
“Our class is and always will be the class of 2010,” she said. “We always followed the Baler Code. We are a unique class of students, scholars, band members, artists and athletes.”
She called her fellow classmates powerful, hopeful, spirited, focused, cheerful and determined. She mentioned how the date of the Winter Ball was changed so that the students could support the Baler football team at CCS.
For the full story and others in a special graduation section, get the Free Lance on Tuesday.
