Holtville grads ready to embark on their journey
It seems there was one emotion that every 132 Holtville High School senior felt at the start of their graduation ceremony: nervous — except the Class of 2017’s Valedictorian Cleo Miki
“I actually don’t feel like nervous honestly, it feels like a normal day. I feel like I have bigger things to be nervous about, like college,” said the valedictorian.
Although Miki was present with her class Friday night, her mind was likely elsewhere, focusing on her future at New York University to study political science and communications this fall.
For the time being, the valedictorian celebrated along with her classmates as their time at Holtville High came to an end at Birger Field in front of friends and family in the audience.
After words from the Class of 2017’s Salutatorian Jorge Mendoza, Miki’s speech centered around encouraging her fellow Vikings to unlock their potential and not settle for mediocrity.
Based on her four years at the Holtville High School, the valedictorian stated that finding yourself is the most important advice she could give to the incoming freshmen.
“Be yourself, don’t waste your time here. High school is a time to find yourself, so why waste it trying to be somebody else,” advised Miki.
The valedictorian’s senior classmate Serenity Pascua also gave similar advice.
“Whatever you do, don’t just follow the crowd because it may not always be the wisest thing,” said Pascua as guidance to the incoming class of Vikings.
For Serenity, attending a cosmetology school and beginning her own mobile salon is what she believes lies in her future.
Based off his observations, Holtville High Principal Mario Garcia reassured that any goal a member of the Class of 2017 may have, they could achieve.
Garcia stated he has known a large majority of the seniors since they were in middle school and ever since they first step foot on campus, he could tell that each of them had a mission to be successful. “These kids were fully committed to whatever was at hand. Whatever they’re going to embark in, I’m sure they will each be successful because of their never-give-up attitude,” expressed Garcia, who wishes his graduates the best of wishes and was grateful he was able to be a part of each of their lives for so long.