UPPER LAKE— On the evening of Friday June 2, family members and friends gathered at the Upper Lake High School stadium to show their support and to congratulate their graduates, filling the bleachers and pouring out onto the field of white and red caps and gowns.
The graduating class which began their freshman year four years ago, like many others, saw their in person academic careers come to an abrupt halt on Friday March 13, 2020 when the covid-19 pandemic forced students to learn from home and editors had to pivot into that new reality. Overcoming unusual obstacles, on Friday these graduates proudly walked the stage and received their wish school diplomas, despite all the odds.
Several students and members of staff spoke at the Friday night graduation, including Senior Class President Madeline Young. She said, “We have a responsibility to acknowledge and make visible the relationships of this communion convening with the Upper Lake Unified School District and the native people.” Young was also awarded “Cougar of the Year” for her school spirit and care for her classmates.
Valedictorian Paris Klier delivered a heartfelt speech thanking all her friends, family, and staff for supporting her on her journey. Klier aligned her high school experience with the well-known Disney classic Peter Pan, as she said she too never wanted to grow up. She concluded her speech sharing, “Standing here now, I am no longer afraid to grow up. Of all of the adventures we’ve had these past four years I think growing up might be the greatest adventure of all. So without further ado, let the adventure begin.” Klier will continue her studies at UC Santa Cruz.
Salutatorian Pulido Ramirez spoke about the future and importance of family stating, “Moving forward we should spend time focusing on our own goals and supporting each other. We shouldn’t envy others for the achievements that they’ve made (and) instead congratulate them. Don’t spend 100 percent of your life trying to reach your goals at the expense of relationships because nothing is more important without healthy relationships with family and friends.” ULHS Principal Dr. Annie Pivniska Petrie also gave a speech recognizing their class for their many achievements noting, “Inside and outside of the classroom you took the meaning of leveling up to a whole new level. Eighty seven percent of you took college classes and set a precedent for future graduates.”
Congratulations to the ULHS class of 2023 from your hometown newspaper the Record-Bee. Catch more coverage of graduation ceremonies throughout the county this month in the paper and on our website and Facebook page.
