With the theme “Let’s Make H15tory” as the backdrop, more than 600 San Benito High School seniors strolled across the stage on June 5 to accept their diploma cases in front of a huge crowd of family, friends and school staff. Students’ actual diplomas are delivered later, but the annual ceremony — the 120th at the school — is no less meaningful.
The requisite speeches by students and staff touched on themes about reflecting on the past while looking forward to the future. Each speech carried a positive message.
“Put everything you have into everything you do,” senior Kali Smiley, president of the Associated Student Body.
Kellie Huerta, the senior class president, pointed out during her speech that Hollister still maintains a hometown feel. “How many towns in America still shut down their Main Street for a homecoming parade?” she asked. “I can think of just one.”
Principal Todd Dearden, wrapping up his first full year on the job — he presented diplomas to his twin son and daughter during the ceremony — implored graduating seniors to “do nothing less than something that says you’re Baler true.”
The ceremony, on a morning that began with fog and ended under sunny skies, featured the recognition of 13 seniors who had perfect attendance during all four years of high school. Thirty-two seniors graduated with a grade point overage of 4.0 or above, and the Top 10 students from the class were brought to the stage as well.
Baler salutatorian August Spurzem, in speech filled with appreciation for the friendships he has made during his time at San Benito High, told his classmates to “do something that produces some sort of good in society.”
Valedictorian Clara Jimenez, who moved with her family to Hollister from Mexico at age 8, talked about her struggles with math and her love of English. “I believe everyone is inherently intelligent,” she said. “We must fail in order to grow.” She also pointed out the value in seizing opportunities: “One is not meant to just live life, but to enjoy living it,” she said.
Superintendent John Perales, echoing a phrase he has used on campus this year, told the Class of 2015 that they are “Baler Strong,” before the hundreds of graduates made their way to the stage. After they returned to their chairs, the seniors — with boys in red gowns and girls in white — tossed their carnations in their air and eventually flung their mortarboards skyward, celebrating an educational journey that will lead some to college, some to the military and some to work.
For more of Joshua Miller’s photos from the ceremony, visit the BenitoLink Facebook page by clicking here.