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Students from the Class of 2024 in three local public high schools graduated during the second week of June. BenitoLink sent photographers to all three graduation ceremonies, a reporter to San Andreas High and spoke with individuals from Hollister and Anzar High Schools. Quotes have been edited for length and clarity. BenitoLink Reporter Jenna Mayzouni contributed to this article.
At San Andreas Continuation High School 31 students graduated during a ceremony on June 6.
Garret Quindimil, Principal of San Andreas said the class of 2024 is resilient:
“I am extremely proud of all of our students and our staff. The class of 2024 is resilient. Resilience typifies this class, from their perseverance and dedication, but this class is truly the class of resiliency. I’m going to miss seeing their faces on campus every day.”
Krystal Lomanto, Superintendent of the SBC Office of Education, told BenitoLink that San Andreas High is proud:
“I’m always blessed to watch them grow over the years and tackle challenges. It’s just super emotional for me. It was beautiful to see the ceremony and the support of the community and the families. We had our scholarship recipients and we wanted to showcase that to the community—we wanted to show the community our kids receive scholarships too. They’ve got goals.
“And our staff is outstanding. I’m eternally grateful for the commitment and the love that they show our kids. They go [above] and beyond for our students, and I think that’s what makes us so unique and special for a continuation high school.
“I just had a father come up and say: ‘When my daughter came here, people would say it’s a bad school. And it’s not. It’s the most amazing experience my daughter’s ever had. It’s an alternative for kids that might struggle in a large, comprehensive model.’”
Giselle Rodriguez, a student at San Andreas who will be attending Carrington College, told BenitoLink:
“This school has been so good, so supportive. We have a good support system, and we get to have a lot of opportunities to work with the teachers. I’m excited to start college and go higher into the medical industry as a medical assistant.”
Valeri Alfaro, whose plans are to be an EMT or mechanic said:
“I feel really nervous but excited for the future. My time at San Andreas has made me feel really confident, and really prepared for the future. I’m going to miss the staff the most—they were super sweet.
“I wish well to everyone in my class. I hope we all have nice lives. Honestly, they were the sweetest class I’ve ever had.”
Ariana Cordova who plans on being a phlebotomist said:
“I feel very good, very proud of myself for accomplishing things that I thought that I would not be able to accomplish and accomplishing other things on the side at this school. My time at San Andreas has been very special.”
Kevin Medeiros, Principal of Hollister High School addressed the 780 graduating students and guests by harkening back to the beginning of their high school experience:
“Graduates, today is a day to reflect on your journey. Think back to your first day of high school. For all of you, this journey began behind a computer screen due to the unprecedented school shutdowns. You faced the challenges of virtual learning head-on, adapting to new ways of studying and connecting with your peers. Your start to high school was one like we have never experienced before, and I truly commend you all for pushing through the challenges to get where you are today.”
HHS valedictorian Lucas Fowler said:
“Change, which makes our graduating class unique, is happening on a broader level at an ever-growing pace, making it more important than ever to hold on tightly to Ghandi’s words [Ghandi had been mentioned earlier in speech]. Don’t let the rapid changes in the world cause you to feel hopeless and shrivel up. Let these changes push you to live each day joyfully, because each day is its own last. Let these changes drive you to continue exploring knowledge and possibilities, because new discoveries are being made every day.”
Anzar High School saw 53 students graduate and Principal Angela Crawley told BenitoLink:
“Watching Anzar’s 51 graduates grow and mature over the past four years has been a privilege. Each one has contributed to the vibrant tapestry that makes our school unique.
“I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of this graduating class. Collectively, these graduates have completed over 11,000 credits, presented 357 Graduation Exhibitions, contributed over 4,372 hours to service learning, and earned more than $50,000 in scholarships.
“Their contributions have left an indelible mark on all of us. We have unwavering faith in their potential and are eager to witness the remarkable achievements that lie ahead.”
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