Hats Off to Walnut High School Class of 2014 (Photo Courtesy: Kelly Gile)
BY KELLY GILE
Walnut – Nearly 1,500 Walnut Valley Unified School District graduating seniors participated in commencement ceremonies held May 29. Families and friends filled the football stadiums ready to celebrate the milestone accomplishment.
During the 45th Commencement at Walnut High School, 715 seniors in blue and white caps and gowns filed into the Ken Gunn Stadium.
“These four years went by so fast!” said Eric Dayrit, before the 7 p.m. ceremony.
“It hasn’t really hit me yet. I’ve been telling my friends that I’m feeling a mixture of nervous excitement and obliviousness!” exclaimed Plato Seto.
“I’m feeling excited. It’s like a formal last goodbye with all our friends,” said Alicia Wei.
“I had a really good experience at Walnut High. The teachers and kids are really great. And
I’m just excited to move on to the next chapter in my life,” Kathy Ho added.
Principal Jeff Jordan addressed the Class of 2014 during the ceremony. “I want to congratulate you on your high school careers and wish each one of you the very best as you move forward in your life. Remember one thing – you will always be a Mustang,” he said.
Congratulations to the WHS Valedictorians: Austin Au-Yeung, Isabela Chang, Allison Do, Max Hsu, Howard Phang, Derek Pi, Nancy Sheu, and Tanya Wanwatanakool. Each stellar scholar earned a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. all four years. They wore gold medallions to signify the accomplishment.
Student speaker, Ryan Woo, urged fellow graduates to pursue their dreams with courage and to pursue their hopes relentlessly and passionately. Daphine Ha encouraged the Class of 2014 to thank their families, friends, and teachers for unwavering support and encouragement. She also offered some sage advice for the group: if you fail the first time, find the courage to try again.
“Never let any opportunity go untaken, never let any dream go unchased, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t. Because the simple fact that you made it this far is a testament to the world that you are capable of reaching your highest potential,” said Ha.
Diamond Bar High School held commencement ceremonies in the Holmes Memorial Stadium for 768 graduating seniors.
Congratulations to the DBHS Valedictorians: Christina Chen, Tiffany Cheng, Frank Fu, Steven Gomez, Sylvia Guan, Scott Jew, Bill Kwai, Tiffany Lam, Dana Li, Jasmine Lin, Yingjie Ren, Vrajesh Shah, Akruti Singh, Savannah Tan, Jane Wu, Ashely Xie, and Jason Yu.
An afternoon commencement ceremony for Ron Hockwalt High School graduating seniors was held at the WVUSD District Education Center.
“The future starts today for you; congratulations!” said Principal Jose Annicchiarico.
