Grizzlies’ night
Graduating class took center stage
Rankin Stadium in the middle of Granite Hills High School’s campus was the site of graduation ceremonies for both Porterville and Monache High School this week, but Wednesday night was all about the home team as the 293 graduating Grizzlies of the Class of 2018 took center stage for their own commencement.
All graduates wore cardinal caps and gowns as they entered the entered the stadium in dual lines and took their place on the field, but not before Principal Apolinar Marroquin gave them a last-minute pat on the back during final preparations in the cafeteria.
“Before we go, take a look at someone next to you and let them know, ‘I’m proud of you, bro! I’m proud of you, sis!’” said Marroquin. “Tonight is about you and your family. Don’t make it the last night you make them proud.”
There was plenty of pride to go around in the stands as family and friends displayed handmade signs, blew vuvuzelas and tooted air horns in celebration as they laid eyes on their favorite graduates.
“As I stand here tonight, I am greeted by a friendly atmosphere of excitement, opportunity and new beginnings,” said ASB President Graciela Aguilar as she welcomed those in attendance.
In his prepared words of the evening, Marroquin had graduates give their families a hand for their support over the years, and also had Granite staff and Porterville Unified School District administrators and board members stand and be recognized for their work.
He continued by having those who graduated from the school’s Digital Design and Communications and Law, Justice and Ethics Pathways stand and be recognized.
Marroquin then called out the names of individual students who had achieved special recognitions: 28 graduates achieved the State Seal of Biliteracy, 25 were California Scholastic Federation Sealbearers, and 37 earned Golden State Seal Merit Diplomas.
He then recognized one student for a rare achievement by having Jaqueline Prado stand for making it from kindergarten to high school graduation without missing a day of school.
“[Jaqueline] has attended 2,275 days of school for 13 years with no absences,” said Marroquin. “Before she and her parents leave tonight, I need her to pass on her secrets, so I can pass it on to the other 1,300 students and our 65 teachers.”
Lastly, the principal introduced valedictorian Denise Rodriguez, who then came to the podium to deliver her address. During her comments to fellow graduates, she focused on the importance of one quality as being key to their future success: initiative.
“A lot of us, myself included, like to complain about the things we don’t have and fail to take advantage of the privileges and opportunities that we do have,” said Rodriguez. “We have the tools and talent to succeed and make a positive change in the world. Abolish the negative misconceptions about our generation, and prove to the rest of the world that we are capable of great things.”
After a farewell speech by senior class President Daniel Orozco and a performance of “Phantom of the Opera” by the Granite Hills band, Marroquin officially presented the Class of 2018 to the audience by having them stand and enjoy a thunderous round of applause from the audience.
Assisted by PUSD board members Felipe Martinez and Tom Velasquez, Assistant Principals Andrew Peterson and Sara Soria called graduate names one by one to receive their diplomas.
When all names had been called and tassels had been moved from right to left, the graduates were escorted to the junior varsity baseball field where they met up with their friends and families to officially begin their celebration.
“I’m excited, but it makes my stomach hurt a little bit to realize that from now on I’ve got to start working and paying bills and stuff,” said Antonio Torres, who plans to get an associate’s degree in Business from Porterville College and become a firefighter. “This school has a great environment. The teachers are great here. They help you and support you in everything you do.”
Brianna Mercado also plans to go to PC, then move on to Cal State Bakersfield to earn her master’s degree and teaching credential. She wants to be a kindergarten teacher.
“I’m scared to be honest. I’m super nervous, but I’m also super proud of myself for making it to this point,” said Mercado. “I started working recently and I’ve gotten that first taste of adulthood. My advice to juniors is to start saving now because senior year is expensive. ‘High School Musical’ did not prepare me for this.”
Veronica Paz, who will attend the University of Maine at Fort Kent on a soccer scholarship next fall, also had some advice for Grizzlies who have yet to graduate.
“Don’t procrastinate,” she said, to which one of her fellow graduates nearby replied with a laugh, “Girl, don’t give advice that you’re not going to follow yourself.”