by Shelley Bennett
On Friday June 5th, 202 graduates crossed the stage at Arnold Field, as Lassen High School celebrated its 121st graduating class. The evening kicked off with retirees Jim Ernaga and Jessica Larson leading the graduates into the stadium to the cheers and applause of hundreds of friends and family members.
FFA members Samantha Medvin and Dominic Johnson presented the colors while the LHS Choir sang the National Anthem directed by Ben Wade.
Senior Class president Kinley Somerville and ASB president Hailey Dawson welcomed the attendees and asked their classmates to remember the late nights and early mornings that brought them to this point.
They said that graduation is not just about “learning who you are, but deciding who want to be.” Kinley encouraged those who are afraid to have courage, Hailey countered with if you have doubted yourself to choose confidence. They ended with a challenge to meet each day with the mindset of becoming more than “you were yesterday.”
Then they turned the mic over to Peace Folorunso, the 2026 We Are Lassen student. Peace began his speech on a lighter note, saying that “Chat GPT is still generating my speech right now” and apologizing for the delay. After sharing a laugh with the audience, he continued by reminiscing what it was like to a 6th grader during the Pandemic and stressed how it impacted the Class of 2026 and who they are today.
Julia Bruce, co-salutatorian, was the next speaker. She asked her classmates to look to the left, then the right. She then requested that they tell those two people that they are proud of them. Julia continued to remind us that we never know what someone else might be going through and what it took to get them here, emphasizing the importance of growing relationships.
Co-salutatorian Miguel Hernandez opened with thanks to all the teachers, his family and friends. Miguel admitted that he has never liked public speaking yet knew this was an important occasion. He encouraged his classmates to remember this moment and wished them success in whatever they choose to do.
There was a quick dance break to “Good Ole Days” by Macklemore and Kesha. Some of the graduates took the opportunity to celebrate with their friends, toss around beach balls, and reflect on the last four years.
Beloved science teacher Jim Ernaga gave the keynote address. Throwing in his signature “BAM!”, Mr. Ernaga expressed that while as a teacher he knows he has impacted their lives in some way, but that the graduates might not realize how they impacted him. With emotion in his voice, he acknowledged that his students are like a second family and creating these relationships are more important than the academics. In conclusion, he tasked the grads to “go make your mark on the world, it’s GO TIME.”
If you’ve ever sat in Mr. Ernaga’s classroom, I bet you heard those last few lines in his distinctive voice.
Londyn Smith, valedictorian, was the next speaker. Londyn said that many people will ask you “what are you going to do?”, inquiring about what is next in your future. She stressed that plans can change so it is more important to think about who you want to be. Londyn concluded by saying that the graduates should focus on creating a meaningful life, not just a successful one.
Principal/Superintendent Mark Brewer addressed the class next. He expressed his thanks to the class for sharing their time, kind words, and smiles with him over the past year. Mr. Brewer told the grads to always remember where they came from, saying that they have left their footprints on our community. He said that will always remember this class and presented them to the LUHS Board of Trustees.
The grads received their diplomas from Mrs. Larson and Mr. Ernaga, while assistant principal Bob Nielsen and counselor Micah Freeman announced their names. Confetti and noisemakers filled the air as each graduate crossed the stage.
Kinley Somerville and Hailey Dawson returned to the podium for the turning of the tassels and the celebration for the Class of 2026 began in earnest!
Congratulations to this class as they venture out into the world on their own. This year I have witnessed students overcome incredible challenges; things that I can’t even imagine facing as an adult. I wish you all the best and I thank you for holding me up during a very difficult time. I couldn’t have made it without you.
In the weeks leading up to graduation, it wasn’t just the students celebrating. The faculty and staff also celebrated some of their own.
Dave Salas, longtime security guard, has put down his radio and parked his golf cart for the last time. After 33 years at LHS, Dave finally gets to stay home with wife Michelle and cut his own grass. As many of you know, Dave was not just a security guard, but a trusted adult and loyal confidante to thousands of students. His sense of humor and positivity will be missed.
Nancy Singh, our student advocate, is also retiring. After more than 20 years of supporting and comforting students, Nancy will get to enjoy spoiling her grandkids full time. Ms Nancy, as she is lovingly referred to, has helped hundreds of students be successful in school and life. She is always there to lend a hand, listen to a problem, or cure the hunger pains with her never-ending supply of snacks.
Jim Ernaga, chemistry guru and coach extraordinaire, is the next retiree. He has dedicated 29 years to LHS, serving in many roles including dept chair, LTA president, coach, and mentor teacher. Jim is a proponent of the annual Biology Teacher and is known by generations of students for his infamous night hike. As an alumnus of Lassen High, Mr. Ernaga was dedicated to the success of his students and school district and will be missed immensely.
Jessica Larson has spent 32 ½ years dispensing math knowledge and game plans to hundreds of student athletes. She has been a positive force both in the classroom and on the court, where she coached volleyball and girls basketball for many years. Jess’ ability to make challenging concepts accessible and relevant to students makes her an exceptional educator. She also loves a good dress up and can be seen cheering students on from the grandstands at any athletic event.
These four educators are the heart and core of Lassen High School and their retirement leaves a big hole in our structure. We will never be able to fill their absence but can take inspiration from their character and deeds and continue to build upon what they started.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
