GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Over 150 students of the Gridley High School graduating Class of 2022 took center stage last Friday night.

Graduates would eventually be seated in front of a large backdrop with the saying, “What seems like the end, is often the beginning,” but before that, each member of the class got a moment in the spotlight. Students entered the stage area by coming out from behind the backdrop depicting a road headed off into the distance with a real Volkswagen beetle featuring the license plate “GHS 2022” positioned to hit the road – the suggestion that these graduates were on their way to an adventurous and bright future. Special handshakes, dances and more were seen as the Class of 2022 made their way to their seats.

The program started with a welcome in both English and Spanish, courtesy of McKenna Speer and Anell Serrano. Speer would tell the crowd that the Class of “Deuces” was ready for what lay ahead of them.

In a patriotic moment, the American Legion Post 210 would provide the color guard for the audience to salute the flag, and moments later, Valedictorian Evelyn Haro would stun the crowd with her pristine voice as she sang the National Anthem.

Principal Mrs. Rikki-Lee Burresch would speak to the class, followed by Sycamore School Teachers Mrs. Liz Ayon and Mrs. Christine Santerre, who were asked to speak by the Class of 2022.  Audrey Johnson, Class of 2022 Salutatorian would provide a class history to the crowd.

Next, Valedictorian Evelyn Haro would take to the podium. When reminiscing about the things that would be missed by many of her classmates regarding their high school career, Haro said, “My Father always told me I should always cherish my high school days because it’s some of the best years of life, and something I’ll recall when someone asks for my favorite memories. In the end, I think we can all agree that every moment is precious, so we should treat it as such and leave no room for regret to encroach once any milestone in our lives pass.” Haro would continue, “This ceremony is a stepping stone in the midst of what you can achieve as a person. Allow absolutely nothing to drag you down and be the very thing that lifts you up.”

Recognitions of students completing the FFA Program, CTE Pathway, and CSF Seal Bearers, along with High Honors Students, Honors and more would precede commencement. Students would shake Principal Burresch’s hand on their way to walk across the stage, some slipping her a memento from the Class of 2022, a tradition that started years ago. This year it was colorful ruby duckies, playfully bringing smiles to both the principal and students’ faces as the students morphed from high schoolers into graduates before the eyes of the crowd.

Celebrations would be had by all as the Class of 2022 officially graduated, heading off into the sunset of their futures, full of potential.