UPPER LAKE >> The Upper Lake Unified School District demonstrated perseverance as 84 students from Upper Lake High School received diplomas, while the pandemic recedes to history now that the crisis has abated to a manageable disease.
The graduating class of 84 seniors were just finishing eighth grade when COVID-19 emerged, but the high school remained open with some remote classes and in-person classes. Retaining on site classes was absolutely the right thing to do maintained Principal, Dr. Annie Petrie. “Looking back, this class showed a lot of gratitude for efforts the whole community made for them,” Dr. Petrie said. “As students get older, they’ll see more clearly the sacrifices made for them. In the fall of 2021, when on site classes resumed full time, students rallied together. This memorable class showed resilience and rose to every challenge presented to them. They’ve come a long way.”
Kate Noble, 17, Class of 2024 Valedictorian addressed the class urging the class to be themselves in a world where there’s often pressure to change. “Navigating your own path, you can truly find fulfillment and success,” she said. “Be humble and kind, be compassionate, empathetic and a light in the darkness for those in need.” She explained that pursuing a dream is not merely a journey it’s an act of self-discovery. “It requires dedication and a willingness to embrace uncertainty,” she said. “The choices you make in your future path will shape the course of your life in ways you cannot imagine. Seize opportunities yet above all be happy. But happiness is not found in material wealth or external validation but in simple moments that bring joy and laughter.”
Dr. Giovanni Annous, Upper Lake Unified School District Superintendent, informed students that graduation is not the end of learning but the start of a lifelong journey of growth,” he said. “Continue seeking knowledge, challenge yourself and strive for excellence in all you do as you embark on this next chapter.” He went on, that success is not a destination but a quest. There will be challenges and setbacks he cautioned. But these will not be prologues, but stepping stones that people should learn from.
“Graduates, embrace the future with confidence and a sense of adventure,” he said. “The world needs your talent, your ideas and passion. May your journey ahead be packed with happiness and fulfilment, and may you make your mark on the world.”
Jayme Zimmerschied, Class of 2024 Salutatorian noted the ceremony represented 13 years of hard work yet signifies endless possibilities. “Today as we reflect upon our achievements let us acknowledge the guidance from families, teachers and mentors and that they’ve been a cornerstone for our success and for that we are ever grateful,” she said. “We’re poised to make a profound impact in the world around us. Each of us possess power, passion and perspective that has the capacity to shape the future in ways that we cannot yet imagine.”
Academic Student Body President Jordan Goodmanson came up the ranks, as treasurer, sophomore year, then vice president junior year. Her responsibilities in that role tasked her with purchasing athletic jerseys and related gear. She has been accepted to Butte College near the Chico area and will focus on marketing and finance. Goodmanson conceded the pandemic was a trying moment, yet she cherished the friends she made while playing sports. But what was genuinely formative was her participation in ASB. “It showed me more of what our school can do beyond attending class,” she said. “It got me out of my circle as I moved from Lakeport and was very shy. ASB instilled in me a sense of self confidence, way more than I had previously.”
Brodie Petrie, along with Zimmerschied were notable scholarship students. Petrie, son of Principal Petrie, will focus on construction management, following several years’ experience doing roadwork, operating bulldozers and graders. Petrie remarked how one of the most satisfying things from his years at the high school was how much his welding classes improved. Concerning his graduation milestone, “I’m excited to see what is in my future,” he said. “But what may be most memorable, was our winning the baseball pennant, the first time in 10 years.”
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