GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The grandstands and the Butte County Fairgrounds were overflowing June 6 with friends and family members in attendance to support the Gridley High School graduating Class of 2025.

The traditional stage was set and as the 2025 graduates began to enter, they showcased their final handshakes.

Elaborate fist bumps, dance lifts, fake proposals and more were seen as graduates split from their escorts to take their seat on either side of the stage.

Seating at the Gridley High School graduation is based on academic achievement; it is an honor for the student’s hard work and a mark of a high grade-point-average (GPA) to be seated in the front rows.

After a welcome from AmberLee Gruber and Luisangel Zepeda, Nathan Zumwalt and Alfonso Martinez Jr. Fragoso lead the flag salute. The National Anthem was sung beautifully by Sarah Terry and Kaiza Quist.

Principal Rikki-Lee Burresch addressed the crowd and, despite her efforts, became emotional as she shared with them that she had the pleasure of watching their students grow up alongside her daughter. She spoke to the Class of 2025, saying “You are not just my students, you are a part of my extended family, as your principal, your cheerleader, your mom and your bonus mom. I want to leave you with these three essential life lessons and you have to listen to me because I won’t give you your diploma, otherwise.” 

Burresch challenged the students to remember to take responsibility for their actions, people matter more than things and “You will fail.”

“But remember, failing is just proof that you’re trying something brave,” Burresch said. “Chat GPT once famously said, ‘Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.’”

Valedictorian Charity Archer spoke, thanking the community and everyone that helped support the Class of 2025. 

“It is clear Gridley has given to us more than we can imagine. It has provided us the opportunity to find who we truly are and find people who will undoubtedly support us as we continue onto our next chapter in life,” Archer said.

Career and Technological Education pathway completers were recognized next, followed by Archer, Salutatorian Luisangel Zepeda, as well as high honors and honors students. 

After recognition wrapped up,the graduates reached the moment they had been working for: the moment they received their diplomas. 

Graduate after graduate made their way across the stage, with the backdrop emblazoned, “Thanks for the Adventure -Now go have a new one!”

Moving their tassels from one side to the other of their caps, the Class of 2025 officially graduated. 

Just as Archer said in her speech, “Graduating today does not mean our story is over. It means our new adventure has just begun.”