As the Fauria Gymnasium at Riverbank High School filled with excited families and friends, Adelante High School graduates waited patiently to join them, just outside in the foyer.
“A fresh start, a new opportunity, that is what this program has been for many students,” said Principal Ezequiel Ruiz as he welcomed everyone to the Adelante graduation ceremony on Thursday evening, May 28. Ruiz shared that in addition to studying various academic subjects, the students also embraced The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, which helped them earn credentials related to leadership and effective communication.
Vince Collins, father to graduate Uriyah Collins, anxiously anticipated his son’s entrance into the gym, as it marked the end of his high school journey and a new beginning in his life.
“I am so proud of him. He did something I didn’t do and it is all because of his mom,” said the elder Collins.
Uriyah Collins, along with some of his fellow students, received various awards including those for leadership through the A Leader in Me Program, which promotes development of fundamental leadership skills.
Adan Rocha was named Valedictorian and Carlos Penaloza received the honor of Salutatorian for their class.
Nicklas Lambert, faculty speaker, noted, “Your hard work, perseverance and dedication to make it here tonight shows how much you’ve grown and we are so proud of all of you.
Lambert went on to reiterate how growth happens when one is willing to take risks and challenge themselves and that he hopes that they will continue to challenge themselves as they embark on their next chapter.
For the graduates, completing their studies and reaching their goals was something that seemed overwhelming at times, but in the end, was definitely worth it.
“You are enough, you’ve made it, you are capable of overcoming hard things. We’ve made it and this is only the beginning,” said Yomari Nunez-Ruiz, student speaker, as she smiled at her fellow graduates and reminded them that there are so many things to look forward to as their high school careers come to a close.
As the graduation came to an end, family members and friends filled the gymnasium floor, taking time to hug their graduates, who ended the evening filled with pride, gratitude and promise for a bright future.
