San Benito High School graduating seniors toss their caps in the air after receiving their diplomas Friday at Bobby Morrow Stadium. (Photo by Jose Ramos)
By STACEY LEE GONZALEZ
Special to the NEWS
Friday night at Bobby Morrow Stadium, many students were anxiously awaiting graduation with bittersweet nostalgia. While some students jokingly mentioned that graduation was to be their night of liberation, a majority of the graduating class of 2011 of San Benito High School couldn’t help but be excited for what the future held in store for them. From individual accomplishments, to group efforts, the class of 2011 had plenty to be proud of.
Commencement kicked off with the singing of the national anthem by vocal standout, Maria Teresa Roque. Delia Weaver, Principal of San Benito High School proceeded with the introduction of board members, senior sponsors, and administration as well. Senior class president Jonathan Garcia welcomed parents, students, and staff alike. Aside from highlighting some of the class’s best moments and accomplishments, such as bringing their campus back to recognized status and having the Lady Greyhound softball team advance to the Elite 8; Garcia also provided his graduating class with some words of wisdom and encouragement.
“Always take pride in everything you have accomplished. We have proved that we have set precedence that no cohort has set before. I have no doubt that every 600+ seniors have at least one thing in common, and that’s ambition,” said Garcia.
Among other notable speakers was school board president, Yliana G. Rodriguez. Rodriguez along with Garcia made it a point to highlight the class’s achievements as well as challenge the graduating class to not hold back when it comes to their future success.
“You are now standing on the threshold of life that will determine your success later in life… Do not hesitate to step over that threshold that is already open to you,” stated Rodriguez.
From students receiving top honors for their hard earned grades, to perfect attendance, the future looks bright for many of the graduates of 2011. For some seniors, however, saying goodbye will be a lot harder than when they first initially met their classmates. Senior foreign exchange student Mareike Schmidt expressed her views on a very memorable senior year.
“It was incredible. I had some wonderful memories. It was great to have an experience to meet wonderful friends and people. High school was just awesome,” said Schmidt.
For many seniors like Joey Montalvo and Alan Pope, high school graduation has been something they’ve anticipated for some time and will also prove to be their stepping stone towards college and anything life presents them with.
As Weaver put it, “We describe this as a commencement because this is the beginning of the rest of your life.”
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the June 8 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
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