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Lodi High grads honored for academic prowess

By Julie Z. Giese
News-Sentinel staff writer

Below a red mortar board, sweat beaded up on the forehead of Lodi High School senior Luis Guzman as he gazed onto the Lodi Grape Bowl field under the sweltering sun Thursday.

Guzman was one of about 440 seniors enthusiastically waiting to march to “Pomp and Circumstance” and be recognized for earning high school diplomas.

Lodi High School grads march to the ceremony, (Click on the photo to view a larger version.)

“To me, graduation means that I’m all grown up and that I’ve met my potential,” Guzman said. “And that I’m ready for life.”

Despite the heat, thousands packed the Grape Bowl to celebrate the milestone of the Class of 2001.

Family and friends snapped photos and brought a bounty of balloons and flowers for the graduates, who donned red and white caps and gowns.

Principal Kelly Mauch praised the seniors’ achievements, calling the class the most academically successful in the school’s history.

More than 30 students were recognized for having grade point averages of 4.0 and above. Some 50 seniors were honored by the California Scholarship Federation for their high academics.

The seniors also earned about $2.5 million in scholarships, Mauch said.

Senior Class President Jillian Person said the senior class grew close like a family during the four years.

She thanked her friends, family and some educators who helped along the way.

Person offered some advice to her peers about the future.

“Seniors, listen to yourself, follow your dreams and you can’t possibly fail,” she said.

Person also recognized three foreign exchange students who were not allowed to march in the ceremony after they fell short of meeting graduation requirements.

Valedictorian Jeff Jauregui encouraged the seniors not to let high school be the best four years of their lives.

He told students to strive to steer clear of alcohol and drugs and other obstacles to success.

“The future is what really matters not the past,” he said. “Live up to your potential and wear sunscreen.”

Jauregui also shared a famous adage of movie characters Bill and Ted of “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”

“Go forth and be excellent to each other,” he said.

Also at the graduation, the flower girls performed their 81st ceremony, giving red and white carnations to the graduating girls.

Senior Amy Anderson, who was selected for the all-state honor choir, performed “Please Remember Me,” before the crowd.

Business teacher Audrey Churchill was among the school’s six retirees recognized.

Churchill received the Teacher of the Year award for her work in the school’s business program and coordinating the flower girl ceremony for the last 23 graduations.

Person also presented the Lamp of Learning to Breanna Baszler, incoming senior class president.

The seniors moved their tassels to the right as the sun began to set. A handful of doves were released during the Lodi High Meistersinger’s performance of the school alma mater.

For many seniors, the ceremony marked the beginning of bigger challenges.

Colleen Mettler, 18, said she excited about her future prospects. She plans to study psychology at University of the Pacific in the fall.

“Oh my gosh, I’ve been waiting since freshman year for this,” she said. “It’s kind of surreal.”

Guzman said he’s anxious to move ahead to other challenges like a career in criminal justice.

He plans to attend San Joaquin Delta College in the fall and later California State University, Sacramento.

“I’m kind of nervous, but it’s all gravy,” he said.

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