Santa Maria High School speakers urged their fellow graduates to remember the many small moments — silly conversations, times of laughter and even emotional breakdowns — rather than pursuits of grades and certificates as they graduate.
“As we close this chapter in our life, let us carry the memories, friendship and laughter we made, because in the end, it wasn’t just about making it through high school; it was about growing through it,” salutatorian Evelyn Ramirez Villa said.
The ceremony Thursday at the high school’s football field marked the 132nd commencement for the valley’s oldest Santa Maria Valley high school campus.
Wearing red caps and gowns, the class of 2025 boasted 715 graduates, the largest this year for the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, which also saw two other campuses hold commencement ceremonies earlier in the morning and midafternoon Thursday.
“I’m willing to bet that there’s less 10 people in the whole world who has ever seen me cry, and I hope to keep that number the same after today,” valedictorian Jaroel Alcantara said after arriving on stage.
Both speakers shared their appreciation for the support of family, faculty and others who helped them through the past years to reach graduation.
“If there is only one thing we can take away from these last four years, it should be to understand the importance of enjoying every single moment,” Alcantara added.
The ceremony included Manuel Zamudio Calderon delivering the student welcome and the senior class officers leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Principal Steven Campbell noted that the class of 2025 reached high school after losing much of their junior high years to COVID-19 and arrived as the Santa Maria campus was in the midst of construction chaos during the addition of a new classroom building.
“This year’s senior class is a truly amazing class,” Campbell said.
Members of the class of 2025 had the highest number of participants in sports and clubs ever for the Saints, Campbell said. They also set some school records with college and university acceptances.
Additionally, during their four years, attendance went up and discipline declined, Campbell added.
“To summarize, this group of seniors is crazy good, smart and generally awesome,” Campbell said.
He also noted the vast community including family, friends, staff and students who it took to get to graduation day.
“Even in these times of political unrest and uncertainty, I think it’s important to know that this school is a safe place that values community and realizes how important it is that we all support our young people so that they can have the best future they can possibly have,” Campbell added.
Want to celebrate a graduate in your life? Submit your own graduation announcement to Noozhawk’s Class of 2025 showcase.
