As the more than 500 graduates at San Benito High School filed
into their graduation ceremony Friday, proud father Bob Netzly
spotted his son Brian walking through the gates and ran alongside
him as long as he could to cheer him on.
As the more than 500 graduates at San Benito High School filed into their graduation ceremony Friday, proud father Bob Netzly spotted his son Brian walking through the gates and ran alongside him as long as he could to cheer him on.
“He has worked really hard and I’m proud of him,” Netzly said about his son who was a student in the special education program at SBHS.
Brian and the rest of his classmates walked through a mob of people cheering them on, taking pictures and handing them flowers and gifts. But before they headed out to be greeted by their family and friends, the students hugged, said goodbyes, made sure their hats were on straight, watched a slide show of pictures from their senior year and were treated to breakfast in the gym. Graduation Coordinator Stephanie Williams was brought to tears when she talked about the ceremony.
“This is an important class for me because they were my freshman during my first year of teaching. So we’ve grown up together,” she said.
As the former seniors took their seats, the crowd continued to stand and cheer.
“We are in the midst of joy and sunshine,” a speaker announced. Eagle Scouts from the senior class presented the colors, and a group of senior men sang the national anthem to a screaming crowd.
Jacob Rivera stood toward the back of the crowd holding a dozen red roses for his girlfriend, graduate Mallorie Wilson.
“I’m very proud of her,” he said. “She’s been through a lot and she’s a strong person. I love her a lot.”
Although Rivera brought his flowers with him, SBHS did have a group of vendors selling everything from keepsake blankets to balloons and flowers to commemorate the event. Behind where the crowds of people sat, there was a wooden barn front and hay bales where families could take pictures and create a fun Haybaler memory.
Laura Cervantes chose to bring her cousin Mayra something a little more personal.
“I brought her this pillow with her class number of it,” she said. “I’m very proud of my cousin and I wish her the best.”
Also in the crowd were Jennifer Tobias’ parents. Earning the highest grade point average in her class and heading to Stanford in the fall, Tobias gave her valedictorian speech and reflected on her time at SBHS.
“I really wanted to talk about how our lives have changed since we started here four years ago and how the events happening in the world have changed our community,” she said before heading up to the podium.
Superintendent Jean Burns Slater spoke to the crowd about how the students are who they are because of their genetics and family history.
“Use your fine genetic genius to generate generosity and gentility,” she said.
Although some students are sad to leave SBHS, and some couldn’t be happier, Associated Student Body President Rebecca Bonner summed up what the high school experience is all about during her farewell speech.
“It’s about the people we came to love and respect,” she said. “In the end, people won’t remember who scored the winning touchdown, but they’ll remember cheering in the crowd and working hard alongside their teammates.”
