LOWER LAKE >> Knowledge is power and this year’s graduates from Carle High School have a whole lot of both.
“They have a really bright future ahead of them,” said Carle’s principal, Heather Koehler. “They’re a lovely group of young people.”
Koehler spoke just before the start of graduation ceremonies at W. C. Carle High School Wednesday evening in the Lower Lake High School gymnasium.
About 350 people packed the gym bleachers to watch 21 seniors graduate from the Class of 2017. Many brought helium-filled balloons, flower bouquets and other gifts for the graduates.
The ceremony began with the traditional processional of graduates to their seats and was followed by the flag salute.
The valedictorian, Kayla Fua, reflected on the school year that was delayed due to the Clayton Fire that hit Lower Lake. Her talk was followed by an awards presentation by Carle teachers.
A number of scholarships were given out including the Park Studies Scholarship Award to Brianna Legg and the Cheryl J. Johnson RAK Scholarship Awards to Alexis Kennedy and Nicholas Kieffer.
Finally, the moment came that everyone was waiting for: the awarding of diplomas from members of the Konocti Unified School District (KUSD) Board of Trustees followed by the recessional.
At the end of the ceremony, graduates moved their cap tassel from right to left, officially signifying their graduation.
Then, a tremendous roar of cheers, applause and whistles erupted from the bleachers crowd after the status of the 21 students changed from senior to graduate.
Noisemakers were banned from the gym but none were needed, based on the noise level of the crowd of mostly friends and families of graduates.
The ceremony was nearly flawless, which was a relief to Koehler.
“Practice was a shambles,” she said before the ceremony began. “But I think they will be good tonight.”
This was Koehler’s first year as Carle principal and her first graduation. She previously served at Pomo and Burns Valley elementary schools.
“I’ve known some of these students since elementary school,” she said.
Once the ceremony concluded, the spectators quickly exited the bleachers to congratulate and mingle with the graduates.
Many of the Carle graduates said they plan on continuing their quest for knowledge at college, with several saying they intend to enroll at Woodland Community College, Clearlake campus.
“I feel accomplished,” said graduate Alvaro Duran of Clearlake. “I used to think school was boring but I’m really glad I finished.”
He plans to attend the KUSD summer program and then go on to Woodland as a science major because, “Science is what makes up the world.”
Graduate Cheyenne West didn’t mince words about how she felt after graduating.
“I made it. I’m happy,” she said.
Holding her diploma, she added, “This will help me succeed in life.”
Nicholas Kieffer of Clearlake said about being a graduate, “I’m excited and nervous.”
He intends to pursue his career calling of being a chef, starting with the culinary arts program at Woodland.
“I feel that this is both a beginning and an end,” Kieffer said. “I’m done with normal school and now I’m going to college.”
Karren Martinez-Meth of Clearlake said she felt “nervous and excited” about graduating from high school and going on to college. She plans to major in veterinary science although she has “no idea” which college she wants to attend.
The Carle High School Class of 2017 is:
Destiny J. Blevins, Lloyd Bridges, Monica Clifford, Alvaro Duran, Kayla Fua, Veronica Hernandez, Alexis Kennedy, Nicholas Kieffer, Jade Klein, Brianna Legg and Micaela
Martinez-Fisher.
Also, Karren Martinez-Meth, Sara McDonald, Samantha Miller, Riley Nielsen, Destiny Parlet, Haley Ramirez, Diana Reyes, Candice Safreno, Michelle Steele and Cheyenne West.
