On Saturday, June 10th, San Pedro High School (SPHS) held its 46th Commencement Exercises at the R.A. Nuñez Auditorium. A total of 99 students marched in to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance, eager to receive their high school diplomas.
Aliny Ventura and Jahson Wright were the Mistress and Master of Ceremonies. After singing the National Anthem, the graduates sang their school song. Angela Luna delivered the salutatory welcome address, reflecting on her personal accomplishments, and congratulating her classmates for reaching this long-awaited milestone.
Principal Emil Vasquez and Chairman Abner Andre Perez distributed diplomas to the Class of 2017, after which outstanding students were awarded. Male Athlete of the Year went to Guillermo Nuñez, while Female Athlete of the Year went to Ada Cordova. Senior of the Year went to Kristy Novelo, and Vladimir Campos won the Perseverance Award.
Other awards given included: Freshman of the Year: Allan Ayala, Sophomore of the Year: Miguel Hancock, Junior of the Year: Elisa Garcia, Parent of the Year: Carmen Graniel, Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award: Paul Kelly. Volleyball Coach of the Year: Erick Santizo, Basketball Head Coach of the Year: Paul Kelly, Football Head Coach of the Year: Alex Noralez, Assistant Football Coach El Shaddai Bent, Softball Head Coach of the Year: Marion Mejia, Appreciation Award: Mark Maggiotto (Blue Water Grill and The Phoenix), Appreciation Award: Randy, Jason and Janice Carlson, Male Most Valuable Players of the Year: Lester Gamez and Angel Navidad.
Vasquez was proud to announce that for the first time in history, SPHS Class of 2017 produced four valedictorians: Aliyah Elliot, Jennessa Sierra, Itzel Kotch, and Chelsea Zetina. “When students work hard, and the competition is intense, it is not unusual to end up with more than one valedictorian. I only remember once when we had two valedictorians. In 2017, we made history with four national championships, and we also made history by having four valedictorians. When we averaged eight semesters, these four young ladies ended up with an identical grade point average of 3.82,” said Vasquez. All valedictorians was given an individual award to highlight their academic achievements.
Zieda Gabriela Guerrero served as the guest speaker for the graduation, and her heartfelt speech encouraged the students to keep true to their dreams, and to work towards their goals. Following after, all four valedictorians gave a brief valedictory address, which encouraged their classmates to study hard and to value education. The traditional and emotional rose ceremony was led by Britney Bijil and Neyli Molina, while the candle light ceremony was led by Rebecca Barkhouse and Alina Ventura.
During his principal’s address, Vasquez declared 2017 a golden year. “We have 99 students graduating—the highest number to date–and that’s another record for San Pedro High School. As we try to improve every year, we continue to mature and grow as an institution. I am proud of SPHS,” said Vasquez. He was additionally proud to announce that 50% of the graduates were on the Honor Roll.
After signing their farewell song, Ilynn Camal gave the Vote of Thanks. After the graduates marched down the aisle one last time, they ended the ceremony with a balloon release, signifying the end of their high school academic career.
The SPHS Class of 2017:
Rebecca Barkhouse *, Noly Betancourt, Britney Bijil*, Giselle Bowden, Gisellie Caliz*, Ilynn Camal *, Gelinie Cawich, Isaul Coba, Laiza Daniels*, Aliyah Elliot***, Lester Gamez*, Tifara Givarra*, Eduardo Gomez, Gian Guerrero*, Dianela Hancock*, Mata Hanna *, Kimberly Lima*, Angela Luna*, Josue Marin, Kris Medrano, Luis Mencia*, Angel Navidad, Shannon Nunez*, Kleyni Ramirez, Jamir Requena, Gisselly Rodriguez *, Jennessa Sierra***, Jackelien Vasquez*, Alina Ventura*, Aliny Ventura *, Divya Wadhwa *, Brian West, Gisselie Wiltshire, Dylan Zepeda, Janelly Aban*, Zameni Anderson, Rose Barrera, Valdimir Campos *, Jun Chen*, Ada Cordova *, Janela Cowo, Kathya Cuellar, Rosalina Fuentez*, Luis Galeano *, Bessy Gongora*, Darvin Gutierrez*, Dominique Gutierrez, Itzel Kotch***, Tivany Mililgan, Neyli Molina*, Susy Moncada, Kristy Novelo*, Helen Palacio, Zimmer Perez, Eileen Reyez, Lumani Sho, Roselli Sosa, Jahson Wright*, Tyreek Arzu, Glenford Cadle, Mariel Calderon*, Francisco Carmona, Kelly Carrillo*, Kelsie Chavez*, Elisha Cobb, Zulianie Cowo, Katleen Cutkelvin, Leonelie Edwards, Manuel Flores*, Laisha Gamez*, Danny Itza, Eddie Jackson, Miguel Mendez, Lisandra Novelo*, Solani Perez, Brianni Danieli, Marian Roca, Marrian Teck*, Ajaisha Velasquez*, Jacqueline Villamil*, Branden Wade*, Chelsea Zetina***, Ariene Benguche, Jorlene Betancourt*, Sarita Choc*, Rina Godoy, Albert Gordon, Niki Graniel, Ashton Lopez, Suemi Moh*, Fernando Montejo, Guillermo Nunez, Shaeda Rhaburn, Daralee Sabal, Juan Guerrero, Samantha Milian, Gloria Soto, and Adiel Vasquez.
***Honor Roll, Highest Mark & Valedictorian (bold)
*Honor Roll
The San Pedro Sun congratulates all of the SPHS’ Class of 2017 graduates!
 held its 46th Commencement Exercises at the R.A. Nuñez Auditorium.){kind=link}