The Class of 2022 at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School shouldn't settle for a sure thing because of a fear of failure as they move through life, Principal Michele Borges said during Friday’s graduation ceremony. 

“Push your doubts aside,” Borges said. “Don’t let even the well-intended naysayers sway you from your dream.

“I believe in you. Your teachers believe in you. All your families and friends here today believe in you. Believe in yourself and do the deeds, even if you fail along the way.”

About 200 members made up the 124th graduating class for the Santa Ynez Valley high school. The ceremony started at 4 p.m. Friday at the school’s football stadium decorated in the Pirates’ colors of orange and black.

The Class of 2022 members had a normal ninth-grade year at the campus before the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted their sophomore and junior years, graduate LuLu Sigouin said. They had a relatively normal senior year.

“Through all of the isolation, the Zoom classes and the decline in mental health, we persevered and made it through to this moment today,” she said.

A Santa Ynez Valley Union High School graduate shows off a Pride flag lining her graduation gown on Friday. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo)

The Santa Ynez Valley’s small size provided students with the chance to interact with teachers, an opportunity they wouldn’t have had in a larger community, she added.

“Like many of you, I hope to make a difference in this world,” she said. “The times in which we live have been tumultuous and confusing, both politically and socially. More than ever, we as rising adults need to use our voices to make a positive change within our country, giving all people their promised equal rights and equal opportunities.”

While COVID-19 brought constant uncertainty and change, she said it also provided an opportunity for growth and learning, including the true value of friendships and family.

“Through all of the hardships and excitements that life will continue to offer, let’s continue to learn and grow as human beings focused on a more just and equal future,” she said.

Graduate Leonel Valencia also served as a commencement speaker, saying that during the past four years he made friendships that will last a lifetime.

“Since the day we stepped on this campus, we all had the same goal — to be able to walk at graduation in front of our friends and family,” he said. “Now we are here. When you finally receive your diploma, think of it as the key to open the door to your future,” he said, adding that he can’t wait to see what doors they open with that key.

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School graduates make hearts to the crowd during Friday’s ceremony. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo)

“Congratulations, Class of 2022. I am proud to be one of you.”

The high school’s band performed “Shadow of the Samurai,” delivering a message to students to “go forward and live a rewarding life,” Borges said.

Nearly 70 members of the Class of 2022 earned about $300,000 in local scholarships, the principal added.

The ceremony also recognized several staff members retiring from the school, including English teacher Jeff Reck, who logged 41 years at the campus. His wife, Jo Ann Reck, also taught at the school but retired previously. Both had coached basketball teams.

“He and his wife, Jo Ann, have left a legacy of challenging students to attain high achievement while raising their children on campus and on the court,” Borges said, noting their “love of education and appreciation for serving the community.”

— 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.

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