• Tokay High School graduation ceremony
Well, they come from the cities and they come from the smaller towns. John Mellencamp’s words seem appropriate for this evening, as friends and family have traveled from as close as Lodi and as far as Orlando, Fla., all to see their loved ones graduate from Tokay High School. They lined up at the doors of the Alex G. Spanos Center at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, eager to find seats.
Clad in purple gowns and golden stoles, the students of Tokay High School’s Class of 2017 marched as one unit, met with thunderous applause as the schools band played the traditional tune, “Pomp and Circumstance.” Principal Eric Sandstrom asked the audience and students alike to stand as he introduced graduating senior Angela Jovel to sing the National Anthem and lead everyone in the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Sandstrom then took the microphone to begin his welcoming address.
Sandstrom began by describing Tokay High’s Class of 2017 as one that, “Did not fit any standard parameters,” referring to the diverse student body as “outside the box.” He then thanked the school’s staff, crediting their diligent work with providing the graduating students with the life skills they will need to succeed in their future endeavors. He then thanked the families, saying that the students can “Never fully repay their support,” advising them to “take every opportunity to show gratitude.” He then bid farewell to two retiring staff members. Ann “The Narc” Grether provided security to Tokay’s campus for 22 years, working for Lodi Unified School District for a total of 32 years. Rodney Gaines, former wrestling coach, leaves behind a legacy that includes numerous state championships.
Following the bittersweet goodbyes, Sandstrom presented the Educator of the Year Award to Kristy Crowell, a home economics teacher who showed “dedication to programs, activities and classes for all students,” often chaperoning school events and providing any kind of support that she could to her students. Sandstrom then commended the graduates once more, this time for their “unboxed and untamed individuality,” as well as their “camaraderie and unity.” After presenting the Principal’s Award to Rosio Vergara, and encouraging all of the graduates to “maintain that curiosity, keep learning!”
Sandstrom then introduce Associated Student Body President Jennica Casciaro, who opened her speech by triumphantly exclaiming: “Class of 2017, we made it!” Casciaro proceeded to remark that “Today ends one chapter of our lives and starts a new one,” congratulating her classmates who are going on to join the work force, serve in the armed forces or attend college. She bid a fond farewell to late night studying and early morning cramming, and encouraged her fellow graduates that they are free to “break the molds and be the people we want to be. After thanking the teachers for teaching, the staff for supporting, the coaches for training and the parents for loving them, she concluded her speech with one final piece of wisdom: “This year has truly been lit and will never be forgotten.”
Class President Natalia Sousa then took the stage to reminisce about the excitement and struggle of high school, sadly informing her classmates that there will be “No more Friday night football games, no more seeing friends every day, no more lucky jerseys,” before instilling hope by saying, “Here comes freedom, here comes the future.” Sousa thanked her mother for pushing her to attend after-school tutoring and seek help from her teachers, as well as organizing the Senior Grad Night celebration following the ceremony. She also thanked her friends for “spontaneous ice cream and dumb jokes,” remembering fondly the little things that made her high school experience special, before proudly declaring that “We will always bleed purple and gold.”
Senior Carly Hunter then presented the Senior Award to a “unique teacher,” one whose “humor and sarcasm made for a positive learning environment. Although he’s only been at Tokay High for three years, science teacher and track and field coach Zak Walcher’s dedication to his students has often made his students wonder whether or not he has a social life, according to Hunter. Walcher, who has known many of the graduates since his first year, kept his acceptance speech brief: “The world is yours; as much as you want it, you’ll get it.”
California Scholarship Foundation advisors then presented the sealbearers, beginning the process of handing out diplomas and shaking hands as loved ones in the audience clap, cheer and whistle in celebration. A respite from the lengthy list of names is provided when Valedictorian Kristen Fukunaga gives her own speech. With practiced ease, she imploreed her fellow graduates not to forget their friends, family or the memories they made during their four years, although they will likely forget all of the seemingly small choices that led them to this milestone.
Fukunaga advises her classmates to “turn your choices into solutions,” as they begin the next step into adulthood, regardless of what path that step may lead to. She remembers the personal struggles, whether they be community service, mustering up school spirit on rally days or simply finding the energy to show up to class. She then thanked her math and science teachers for gifting her with the love of learning and problem solving skills that helped her become the top student in her class, as well as her friends, for “knowing what to say to make everything ridiculous.” She receives her valedictorian’s plaque, before the remainder of the Class of 2017 walk across the stage and receive their own diplomas.
Kirsten Lerner and Jessica Swanson, graduating seniors, serenaded the audience with their soulful rendition of Hannah Montana’s “Wherever I Go,” before Sandstrom made his closing remarks, thanking the Tokay High School Band, as well as Tammy Foley who organized the graduation ceremony. Finally saying, “Mr. Jones, we need them to stand one last time,” Sandstrom instructed the Class of 2017 to turn their tassels from the right to the left, officially concluding their time as high school students.