Middle College High School graduates 36 seniors
Hundreds of family and friends filled the lower portion of Warren Atherton Auditorium at Delta college in Stockton on Saturday, but the crowd wasn’t there to take in a play or listen to the Delta choir.
In fact, there was only one song attendees were ready to hear, and that was “Pomp and Circumstance” — the song that would mean it’s finally diploma grabbing time for seniors of Middle College High School.
While the commencement ceremony signaled an end to the seniors experience at Middle College, principal Frank Humpert stated, the road to their diplomas hasn’t been a simple joy ride.
“This has been a difficult and stressful time for these students — they have been getting prepared for full-time college, finishing final exams and finishing their senior projects,” said Humpert.
“These students on the stage have worked very hard to be here today, and have truly earned their diplomas,” he said.
The graduation ceremony marked just the second time that a class of students had gone through the five year old Middle College program from freshmen to seniors.
LUSD Superintendent Bill Huyett stated that the MCHS program was continuing to prove it is a success, and encouraged the students to make the best of their education.
“Use what you have learned here. Continue to improve yourselves and then improve the world,” Huyett admonished.
The MCHS program handed out 36 diplomas Saturday, with 10 of the seniors getting good enough grades to be named National Honor Society Members.
Christina Clarke was the class Salutatorian, and Maria Mejia was the Valedictorian.
Mejia briefly addressed the audience, thanking her family and friends for all of their support, then reminding her classmates to continue to pursue higher education.
“Keep in mind that this is the opening of new doors for further education,” Mejia said.
Before declaring an end to the graduation ceremony, principal Humpert stated that he expected great things from the Class of 2005.
“I look forward to seeing your names in the (news)paper,” said Humpert, then he chuckled and quickly added, “The right way.”
After the ceremony, family and friends poured into the foyer and surrounding area, loading the exiting graduates with balloons and flowers and trying not to accidentally end up in other graduate’s photos.
“Jessica Glass summed up the feeling her classmates expressed about moving on from MCHS. Perpetually smiling and posing with her relatives for keepsake photos, she said, “It feels great! I feel Free!”