The sun came out to greet 669 graduates and their families at Pioneer Valley High School’s Class of 2025 graduation in Santa Maria Thursday morning.
Pioneer Valley High School Principal Paul Robinson called this year’s group of graduates a “well-decorated class,” with over $1 million in scholarships, grants, and other tuition assistance accumulated among the students.
“There are so many awards, medals, and stoles and cords that I cannot begin to highlight them all,” Robinson said.
“This class of seniors represents students who were born across multiple countries and have a diverse group of languages that are spoken at home. … Though we’ve all come from different places, we have grown together.”
Robinson also highlighted the fact that a Pioneer Valley High School student, Yaretzi Salazar, will serve as next year’s state vice president for Family, Career, Community, Leaders of America — a first for not only Pioneer Valley, but also for the district and region.
Salazar served as the Region 7 vice president this year, and graduating senior Adilene Espinoza-Peña also served as the region treasurer.
Many of the ceremony’s student speakers emphasized the accomplishments they have achieved in the face of challenges.
Valedictorian Dayanna Soto Osirio spoke about dealing with her father’s death, and how the resulting challenges led her to believe that her dreams weren’t meant for someone like her.
“Never let doubt speak louder than your potential,” Soto Osirio said. “The world may tell you what you can’t do, but don’t be the one to believe it. Believe in yourself, even when it’s hard, and especially when it’s hard.”
Robinson boasted Soto Osirio’s 4.38 GPA and how she will be now attending UCLA to study neuroscience.
“Class of 2025, we are more than our circumstances,” Soto Osirio said. “We are proof that greatness, strength, and purpose come from within.”
Additionally, salutatorian Edwin Ruiz-Vasquez pointed out that many of his classmates who are continuing on to college and university will be the first in their families to do so.
“Many of us will be the first in our families to step into uncharted territory as first-generation students, and begin a new chapter in our lives, as well as in our families,” Ruiz-Vasquez said. “So carry that with pride.”
Want to celebrate a graduate in your life? Submit your own graduation announcement to Noozhawk’s Class of 2025 showcase!
