A stream of graduates wearing red and white robes descended onto Eva Green Memorial Field Friday evening as a crowd of family and friends watched with pride.
Bishop Garcia Diego High School held its 111th annual commencement on Friday, celebrating the Class of 2025 before sending them off to the next stage of their lives.
Karen Regan, the school president, welcomed the graduates and their guests to the ceremony. In her speech, Regan thanked the faculty for their dedication and passion, and the families and friends in attendance for their unwavering encouragement and support.
Regan also commended the students for their hard work and encouraged them to carry on the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.
“You have shown remarkable resilience, faith and determination as you step into the next chapter of your lives,” Regan said.
The commencement speaker for the event was Dr. June Szabo-Kifer, who was retiring from the school after 21 years and served as a resource specialist. During her time at the school, Szabo-Kifer worked with neurodivergent students and was the first resource specialist in the school’s history.
As she addressed the students, Szabo-Kifer spoke about the uncertainties of moving into new chapters. She recalled the excitement and fear of transitioning into adulthood when she graduated from high school.
“That’s the bittersweet feeling that surrounds an event like graduation,” Szabo-Kifer said.
She then encouraged the class to appreciate life and let their courage drive them forward.
The first of the student speakers was Jaden Van Wingerden, the class salutatorian. Van Wingerden will be studying Agribusiness at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
The final speech was given by the class valedictorian, Adlina Wendel, who is attending UCLA to study psychology.
In her speech, she thanked the faculty, family and friends who guided the class through this phase of their lives.
Wendel also spoke about the memories she shared with her classmates, saying the lessons they learn are part of the foundation of who they are. She encouraged her fellow grads to hold on to those memories.
“We may not have all the answers, but we have each other’s voices. May we carry our best memories forward, grounded in faith, supported by love, and ready to become exactly who God created us to be,” Wendel said.
Want to celebrate a graduate in your life? Submit your own graduation announcement to Noozhawk’s Class of 2025 showcase!
