Visit our other special sections

Tokay High seniors celebrate end of challenging year

By Julie Z. Giese
News-Sentinel staff writer

It was a day that 18-year-old Tiffany Adams dreamed of, but could have easily missed.

Adams, a Tokay High School senior, was paralyzed from a car crash in October which claimed three lives and left her the only survivor.

Tiffany Adams attends the Tokay High ceremony in her wheelchair. (Click on the photo to view a larger version.)

Escorted in her wheelchair by friend Angelina Gervasi, Adams led a pack of 428 purple-gowned seniors who marched onto the Lodi Grape Bowl’s field Friday for graduation.

“I totally didn’t think I would be here,” said Adams, draped in a purple feathered boa. “I really had to work my butt off.”

Adams had to struggle to meet all of her graduation requirements, including senior project, after missing more than two months of school.

Her excitement was shared by thousands of well-wishers who filled the stadium to cheer on the Class of 2001 with balloons, flowers and air horns.

Retiring Principal Rich Abel dedicated the ceremony to senior Stephenie Wise, who was struck and killed by a car while walking near the median on northbound Highway 99 in July, a month before school began.

A chair, with only a mortar board, cap and gown and bouquet of two golden roses, sat vacant in memory of the well-liked student who wanted to become a nurse after graduating.

A chair was reserved for Stephenie Wise who died in July 2000. (Click on the photo to view a larger version.)

As student leaders presented Wise’s mother, Sandy, with a plaque to recognize her achievements, some 500 yellow balloons were released from the stands to remember the spirited teen while the seniors and crowd applauded.

Abel reflected on the academic achievements of the Class of 2001 and encouraged the students continued success.

“You’ve met the first obstacle society has placed before you,” he said. “Let this be the jump-start to your dreams.”

He also recognized Elise Forbes, one of the school’s assistant principals who was also retiring this year.

Senior Jared Callahan raced to the podium with a step stool to offer the petite senior class president Jennifer Israel help to reach the podium.

“You know they’ll still make short jokes in college,” he told Israel as he placed the stool on the ground.

Israel spoke of the class’ shared experiences from being new students on campus to seniors and the friendships made in the duration.

“Don’t worry about the things you’re leaving behind ... True friendship will not be left on this field tonight,” she said.

Valedictorian Kyle Aarons offered some advice to his classmates.

He told his peers to not be afraid of showcasing their individuality. “I encourage all of you to search out your own uniqueness,” he said.

Also at the graduation, Cynthia Dean belted out the song “I Hope You Dance,” which drew a standing ovation from the crowd of seniors.

Israel passed the Lamp of Learning to incoming senior class president Jennifer Morita.

Teachers Debi Chiene and Gary Haas were recognized as 2001 Teachers of the Year.

The senior class officers also presented Abel with the Senior Award for his dedication to students and education.

The ceremony wasn’t complete without a few waves generated from the seniors assembled on the field and inflating and throwing some beach balls.

Many seniors rejoiced at making their milestone.

Marcos Cahue, 18, instead wondered what happened to some 25 classmates whom he started out with as freshmen in one class. Only four students graduated with him Friday, he said.

“I’m feeling surprised that I actually made it.”

Cahue said some of his peers dropped out of school while others transferred to a continuation school.

He plans to make the most of his achievement, he said.

“I know I want to do something with my life,” said Cahue, who’s looking to join the armed forces in the fall. “I’ve made it this far.”

For Adams, graduation was a celebration of her determination and strong will.

“I’m going to miss school,” she said. “I really liked school.”

Adams plans to become an elementary school teacher.

Stephanie Edgerly, 17, said graduation was bittersweet without her friend Wise, whom she knew since kindergarten.

“It’s kind of like there a void,” she said. “I know she’s here, but she’s not here.”

But the seniors had remembered her well by planting a yellow rose bush in her honor on campus and with special recognition at the ceremony, Edgerly said.

“It’s kind of like we brought her along with us,” she said.

Lodinews Home | News | Sports | Business | Features
Opinion | Obituaries | Classifieds | Archives

SUBSCRIBE TO THE LODI NEWS-SENTINEL

Please report any errors, omissions or changes to the Webmaster.

Comments about this story or the “Class of 2001” series are welcome.