Valedictorian Miguel Molina reflected on the past four years, as well as future responsibilities. “Young people our age all over the world wish they had the opportunities that we have been given,” said Miguel. “Imagine being born into a society that chooses your career for you and plans out your life. Imagine a society that does not cultivate individuality and freedom of choice. We have been fortunate enough to have been raised in a culture that embraces quite the opposite. It is up to you to take advantage of the opportunities before you. We are the architects of our own destiny – a tremendous privilege.”Salutatorian Diego Rico thanked his family and friends. “I just wanted to take this moment to thank all of you for everything you’ve done for me,” he said. “I know that pretty soon we will all go our separate directions in life as we pursue our dreams, but no matter how far apart we are, I will always carry thoughts of you guys with me wherever I go and I hope that you all do the same. I hope that none of you forget where you came from or forget those people who helped you get to where you are today, because I know I won’t.”“Graduates, we are about to embark on a whole new journey that awaits us,” Melina Quintero, ASB president, said in her speech. “I wish you all the best of luck. And always remember that our class of 2007 was truly sent from heaven.”
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Joey Villa raises his arms in celebration after picking up his diploma last Thursday evening. Villa was involved in a serious automobile accident a few weeks ago and was able, to not only attend the graduation, but was able to walk and take part in all the graduation ceremonies.The graduation took place at Jones Field at Santa Paula High School. Photo by Brian D. Wilson |
Santa Paula High School graduation
June 13, 2007
Santa Paula High School
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula TimesThe Santa Paula High School Class of 2007 stepped into the future last week. They filed into the schools’ stadium in two long columns of Cardinal red and white, passing through white floral arches into the forever memory of graduation. “This last step we take here is the first step we take into our future, and there are some people we have to thank for that,” Kaitlyn Heinz, 2007 Senior Class president said in her speech.The graduates found various ways to thank their families, friends and school for four years of education at Santa Paula High School. The students walked down a red carpet and stood briefly for the overflow crowd, some blowing kisses and thanks as their families snapped away with their cameras. “I Love My Mom” was the message on one graduate’s shirt. “You have all done so much for us these past four years and it took us until today to realize that,” Kaitlyn said. “Thank you.”Principal J. Antonio Gaitan congratulated the graduates, telling them to be proud of their accomplishments. “Continue to challenge yourselves to open avenues – to give yourselves chances in the future,” he told them.
