Lompoc Valley high schools bid farewell to the Class of 2022 on Thursday during two ceremonies that capped a year with many of the typical traditions such as homecoming, prom and more.
At a ceremony in Vandenberg Village, Leslie Ramirez, senior class president, reflected on the highlights of her time at Cabrillo High School, where the COVID-19 pandemic overshadowed some parts of students’ time on campus.
“I am grateful for all we were able to experience this year,” Ramirez said. “We are extremely fortunate, which is why I say to you all to cherish and hold onto these memories. They are once-in-a-lifetime moments that maybe we all took for granted until they were taken from us.”
It marked the 56th graduation ceremony for Cabrillo.
Lainey Barcomb, senior class treasurer, revealed the class gift, which will include the installation of two solar-powered, motion-sensor lights at the bus turnaround to improve safety for students and drivers.
The gift also will see the addition of a new bench near the Activities Office, with plans that each class in the following years will paint it before leaving the school.
The new tradition, Barcomb said, will symbolize “how we are able to creatively build off one another and leave beautiful legacies to be enjoyed by future students of Cabrillo High School.”
Eric Aguilar, Associated Student Body president, welcomed those in attendance, while Holden Harper did the scholar address and Hunter Bonner delivered the “CONQ’uer” speech before Principal Mark Swanitz spoke.
“Your high school experience was radically altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, you have preserved through so much to be sitting here on this field today,” Swanitz said, recalling being a graduation speaker as a senior 37 years ago.
He noted that sailors once used the North Star to navigate before space-based satellites kept them on course.
“My advice to you on this occasion of your graduation from high school is simply, find your North Star and follow it. Graduates, it’s true: As you leave here, you can do anything, you can be anything. You can set course and sail anywhere you want to go.
“Now set sail, with my blessing, and go do for the world what you did for Cabrillo High School. Make it a better place every day that passes than it was the day before.”
He also recognized Barcomb for her service to the school and McKinley Weatherford with an outstanding senior award named for the school’s first principal.
Cabrillo High’s graduation can be viewed on YouTube by clicking here.
Across the valley, Lompoc High School held its 130th commencement with graduates sporting blue-and-white caps and gowns.
“You have all proven that you are resilient and have the drive, grit and tenacity to push through anything,” Principal Celeste Pico said before ticking off the future plans for students. “One thing I have learned about this class: You do not give up. I promise you this will serve you as you move forward.”
Linsey Rodriguez, senior class president, said that each of the more than 300 graduates has a unique vision for the future.
“Graduating today is a milestone that will elevate you all into the future you will create for yourself, and you should not feel pressured to automatically determine what the rest of your life will be,” she said. “Ultimately, the only thing you should be truly chasing is a life where you can look back and be satisfied with all you have done.”
Other speakers included Mallory Branum, who delivered the Brave Pride address, Anahi Rodriguez-Leal and Gabriel DeLeon with the distinguished scholar addresses.
Also Thursday, Lompoc Unified School District officials announced the recipient of the Lompoc Grit Scholarship chosen by top administrators.
The award for a student who demonstrates “grit and perseverance in the face of adversity” went to Lompoc High graduate Yoana Esquivel, who plans to attend Waldorf University in the fall.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
