Photos by Samantha Bengtson
Soledad High School Class of 2018 graduates smile as they prepare to receive their diplomas at the June 9 commencement ceremony. Below, Graduates and friends (from left) Shaquielle Hollman, Andrew Chavez, Billy Hollman and Gabriel Burgoz celebrate their graduation together.
SOLEDAD — About 356 Soledad High School and Community Education Center students graduated June 9 at the Gene Martin Stadium in front of their friends, family and teachers.
The graduation began with the Presentation of Colors by the Soledad High School NJROTC and the National Anthem was sung by Graduate Jesus Floriano-Ramirez.
Mikaela Chavez and Jasmine Medina shared the spotlight as the two salutatorians for Soledad High School.
“Giving up is not a option,” said Chavez. “What is an option though is preserving through every hardship that we face.”
Medina said, “It has been quite the journey to say the least. But if I had the opportunity to turn back time and do it all over again, I won’t hesitate. Every failure taught me a lesson, every setback gave me determination, and every hardship gave me a new perspective.”
Medina served as the class president for the senior class and Chavez served as the secretary for the Class of 2018.
Yajaira Jocelyn Aguirre Herrera represented the Pinnacles Class of 2018 as valedictorian. Herrera said that all her classmates had been working hard for this moment and they should all celebrate this moment.
Next up to the mic was the 2018 Senior Class Officers who gave a history of the class and presented the class gift, a new filtered water system giving students the chance to fill up their water bottles.
Counselor Sandra Moreno recognized the California Scholarship Federation students, and Daniel Kaplan recognized the CSF Seal Bearers.
This year Soledad High School had two valedictorians, making Arylene Nunez-Dominguez and Belen Torres co-valedictorians. Nunez-Dominguez spoke about her family history starting over 40 years ago with her families immigration to the United States.
“Now that we have reached this milestone it is up to us to make the best of it and live that American Dream that our parents worked so hard for,” said Nunez-Dominguez. “Follow your passion and do what makes you happy.”
Torres focused on the changes between middle school to high school and the importance the teachers place in their academic success.
“Every single teacher has shaped up in some way that will never be forgotten,” Torres said. “I would like to speak for the entire senior class when I say thank you to all of our teachers who made it their goal to guide the student body to a successful future.”
Following Torres’ speech, the graduates received their diplomas and walked across the graduation stage.
