As the more than 600 graduates from San Benito High School and
San Andreas Continuation High School walked across the stage last
week, and all 47 seniors at Anzar High School prepare to do the
same this Wednesday, the commencement celebrations and festivities
have brought forth a lot of firsts and lasts for area
graduates.
As the more than 600 graduates from San Benito High School and San Andreas Continuation High School walked across the stage last week, and all 47 seniors at Anzar High School prepare to do the same this Wednesday, the commencement celebrations and festivities have brought forth a lot of firsts and lasts for area graduates.
It’s the last time these seniors will sit side-by-side with their classmates, some who they’ve known since kindergarten.
“I’m really sad to leave all my friends,” Anzar senior Ariana Batz said. “We’ve all known each other forever.”
For some parents, it’s the first time one of their children is leaving home and heading off to college, and others may be giving hugs to the first person to ever graduate high school in their family.
“It’s been very emotional,” Rhonda Russo said about her daughter Lynsie who graduated from SBHS Friday. “It’s fun and then it hits you and you realize – whoa she is leaving to college. I’m so proud of her.”
Although graduation happens every June, the class of 2004 graduates at all three San Benito County campuses have their own special stories and situations that make them memorable.
While Anzar is proud of its academic success, with 100 percent of its senior class moving on to college, San Andreas teachers and staff are inspired by their former students’ strength. During the past year, the students had to deal with the tragedies of losing a fellow student and the school psychologist.
“I love my students very much,” San Andreas Senior Advisor Barbara Murray said as her eyes welled up with tears. “They have overcome so much, and they’re remarkable.”
Meanwhile, seniors at SBHS have been sporting their class T-shirts for weeks, which state “A Legacy” on the front. Class President Sheryl Overman spoke to the class at graduation and explained the meaning behind those words.
“A legacy is like leaving a mark,” she said. “And we’ve definitely left one here.”
Not only has the class convinced the school administration to allow senior parking spots, it was also voted “class of the year” for three years in a row.
The new Associated Student Body President Spencer Genesy said there was definitely something that made this group of students stand out.
“This class has a lot of energy and spirit,” he said. “It brought a unique quality to the school.”
Regardless of if they’re moving across the country or staying in town, or heading into the military, college or work force, the students will leave behind everything they’ve known for the past 12 years and venture into the next step of their lives. Anzar student Alex Hennager said 10 years from now, when they return for a class reunion, it will be interesting to see what everyone has made of themselves.
“It will be fun to see who has kids and what everyone accomplishes,” she said.
