Limitations don’t exist and dreams can become reality, two speakers told their fellow Santa Maria High School graduates Thursday, one of three campuses bidding goodbye to hundreds of seniors.
“I want to leave the class of 2024 with this, which is to never give up on your dreams, even if they seem impossible to achieve in the present,” salutatorian Alejandro Palacios said.
A few minutes later, valedictorian Isaelia Cristobal-Bonifacio had a similar message.
“I would like to end my speech by expressing that we are the class of 2024. Limitations don’t exist for us, and being here has already broken various norms in our community,” she said.
The ceremony on Thursday marked the 131st commencement for the Santa Maria Valley’s oldest high school with roughly 700 graduates making up the class of 2024.
They earned more than $400,000 in scholarships, among the list of accomplishments — or what he called their “amazingness” — recited by Principal Steve Campbell.
The class placed second in the state for the percentage of seniors completing and submitting their financial aid applications, a key step to pursuing their education beyond high school, Campbell said.
A graduate receives his diploma during Righetti High School’s commencement ceremony on Thursday. Credit: Len Wood / Noozhawk photo 
Righetti High School co-valedictorian Olivia Hugh speaks during Thursday’s graduation ceremony. She shared valedictorian honors with Minseo Kim. Credit: Len Wood / Noozhawk photo 
Santa Maria High School graduate Alexis Vargas-Rodriguez receives his diploma from Superintendent Antonio Garcia during Thursday’s graduation ceremony. Credit: Len Wood / Noozhawk photo 
Pioneer Valley High School graduates show their jubilance on Thursday during their afternoon graduation ceremony. Credit: Kenny Klein / Santa Maria Joint Union High School District photo 
The start of Pioneer Valley High School’s graduation ceremony includes a chance for graduates to briefly release some excitement before the program. Credit: Kenny Klein / Santa Maria Joint Union High School District photo 
One graduate cheers for another during Righetti High School’s commencement ceremony. Credit: Len Wood / Noozhawk photo 
A graduate gets a hug from a teacher after he receives his diploma during Righetti High School’s ceremony on Thursday. Credit: Len Wood / Noozhawk photo 
A graduate poses for a picture after receiving her diploma during Righetti High School’s commencement ceremony Thursday. Credit: Len Wood / Noozhawk photo 
Santa Maria High School graduate Alizae Partida shows off her diploma during Thursday’s graduation ceremony. Credit: Len Wood / Noozhawk photo 
A graduate is congratulated by a staff member during Santa Maria High School’s commencement ceremony Thursday. Credit: Len Wood / Noozhawk photo 
Graduates walk the track past supporters during Santa Maria High School’s ceremony Thursday. Credit: Len Wood / Noozhawk photo 
Santa Maria High School valedictorian Isaelia Cristobal-Bonifacio walks to the stage to give her speech during Thursday’s ceremony. Credit: Len Wood / Noozhawk photo
Additionally, two students were selected to serve as FFA state officers, a first for the school and the third time in state history, he added.
“To summarize, this group of seniors totally crushed it during their four years here at Santa Maria High School,” Campbell added.
During the ceremony, Associated Student Body president Perla Delgago-Paniagua also delivered the invocation speech.
The three comprehensive high schools in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District held their graduation ceremonies at separate times during the morning and afternoon Thursday.
“To all of our graduating seniors, you’ve successfully navigated through years of schooling, culminating on this momentous morning. We are very proud of you and wish only the best for you in all your future endeavors,” Superintendent Antonio Garcia said at the Santa Maria High campus before heading to the other two ceremonies.
Midday Thursday, the Righetti High School Warriors said farewell to the class of 2024, boasting approximately 570 members.
Natalie Lancor provided the welcome speech before co-valedictorians Olivia Hugh and Minseo Kim spoke.
Associated Student Body president Teya Nataskin also delivered an address during the ceremony, the 60th commencement for Righetti.
At Pioneer Valley High School, friends and family celebrated approximately 735 graduates with an afternoon ceremony on the campus at the north end of Santa Maria.
Student speakers included Hugo Gonzalez and Saludos a los Padres, as well as Kaleolani Ilac with the salutatorian’s address and Leslie Gonzalez with the valedictorian’s address.
Associated Student Body president Camila Uribe provided the student council speech.
It was the 18th commencement ceremony for Pioneer Valley High School, the newest in the district.
Delta High School, which is part of the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, graduated about 330 students Wednesday afternoon.
The continuation high school is located at 4893 Bethany Lane in Orcutt.
Delta’s class of 2024 graduation ceremony was held at Righetti High School, which held its own commencement on Thursday.