Barstow High School Aztecs turn tassels during commencement ceremony
Graduating Aztecs from Barstow High School turned tassels during the school’s commencement ceremony on Thursday at Langworthy Field.
After a rendition of the senior song, “I’ll Always Remember You” from the TV show Hannah Montana, the Aztec wind ensemble and concert band performed the National Anthem.
Senior Class President Jasmine Ortega also led the audience in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commencement speakers included ASB President Kristianna Quijote, salutatorian John Santry II, valedictorian Madysen McDonald, and class president Ortega.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to valedictorian McDonald. Also, salutatorian Santry was recognized as the “Outstanding Boy.”
Morgan Jeanne McDonald received the “Outstanding Girl” award, Ryan Jesse Ramirez picked up the “Citizenship” award, and Eres Cheyenne Blaine was given the “Service” award.
The “Sportsmanship” award went to Annica Marie Carrion, the “Outstanding Female Athlete” award to Angelina Cara Vasquez, and the “Outstanding Male Athlete” to Gabriel Anthony Roland Hernandez.
Principal’s awards were given to Alyssa Laura Montano and Jeremiah Nathaniel Williams.
Schools officials reported that of the 301 graduates, 42 will attend four-year colleges or universities, including Madysen McDonald and Analissa Laulu, who will attend the University of California, San Diego.
Eight graduates have made commitments to join the armed forces, including Gabriella Eugenio, who will join the Marine Corps. Also, Samuel Soto will enlist in the Navy and Mariah Miranda will sign with the Army.
Barstow Unified School District Board President Kris Okamuro accepted the class of 2023 before district administrators and the board presented the diplomas.
Class President Ortega led the tassel-changing ceremony before fireworks lit up the sky over the high school.
Former Barstow mayor and Barstow High School alumni Joe Gomez said he was proud of his grandsons Jace Gomez and Connor Eddy, who graduated on Thursday night.
In a letter to his two grandsons, Gomez told them that their journeys began with the milestone moment of graduation.
“Trust that God has already given you a purpose,” Gomez said. "Believe that with all of your heart, soul, and mind. God did not put you here by mistake.”
Gomez added that his grandsons are on a “sailing the ship, with God in the boat” and the duo at the helm.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Barstow High School Aztecs turn tassels during commencement ceremony
