Wasco middle schools celebrate graduating class with joint ceremony
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Last updated 6/10/2021 at 10:59am | View PDF
Toni DeRosa | The Shafter Press
Attendees filled the seats on the field.
Students, staff and family from Thomas Jefferson and Palm Avenue middle schools joined together to celebrate the eighth grade class.
This is the second year that the Wasco Union Elementary School District has had to utilize covid-19 protocol to hold its annual graduation ceremony. Everyone was required to wear a face mask and maintain social distancing.
There was no formal gathering after the ceremony due to the pandemic.
The ceremony includes an introductory by Palm Avenue Assistant Principal Zachery Ellis and a closure led by Palm Avenue Associated Student Body President Yareli Sanchez and Thomas Jefferson ASB President Izabella Heredia.
Superintendent Kelly Richers said this was one of the most challenging school years.
"Have a great high school career," Richers added. "You will have something to remember and talk about."
Toni DeRosa | The Shafter Press
Wasco Union Elementary School Board, from left, Superintendent Kelly Richers, Luis Fernandez, President Anna Poggi, Danny Rueda and Cherylee Wegman. (Not pictured is Richard Reding).
"The class of 2021 wants to let everyone know that we [graduates] are honored and humbled to stand before you," Thomas Jefferson Valedictorian Fabian Carrillo said. "We want to thank the staff, school and faculty for giving extra support."
Carrillo also reflected on the first day of attending Thomas Jefferson, being lost and walking the hallways as well as adjusting to new schedules and admitted having to learn new work ethics.
Palm Avenue ASB President and Salutatorian Yareli Sanchez admitted that this year had been a challenge for everyone.
"This school will be missed," she said. "There are many good memories from Palm Elementary to Palm Avenue Middle School."
"I am proud of being from the small community of Wasco," Sanchez said. "I'd like to thank all the teachers and parents for their help in helping us adapt to the challenges."
She ended her speech by stating that it takes a special kind of person to become a Wasco Tiger.
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