By Shelley Bennett
Excitement and anticipation filled the air as the Class of 2021 gathered in the small gym before their graduation ceremony. Pictures were taken, smiles shared, and the room buzzed with conversation. Soon, the strains of Pomp and Circumstance were heard, their teachers lined up, and the graduates made their way onto Arnold Field.
After the presentation of flags by the LHS Cadet Corps, FFA outgoing President Waylon Miller led the crowd in the flag salute. Then the LHS Concert Choir sang the National Anthem under the direction of Ben Wade.
Superintendent/Principal Morgan Nugent welcomed the attendees with remembrances of how the school year started with plexiglass barriers, masks, and social distancing. He recalled how student Mila Knezevich asked for a normal school year with sports seasons, prom, and regular high school activities. Nugent, along with the rest of the LHS staff, worked diligently to make this happen.
ASB President Jack Duncan and Class of 2021 President Autry Satica were the first to speak. They jokingly referred to the recent senior prank and took a walk down memory lane, with references to league titles for both the JV football and JV girls basketball team, memorable Homecoming skits, and great dances organized by class advisor Carrie Satica.
We Are Lassen student Madelaine Vera Curzio spoke next. She was nominated by the staff of Lassen High based on her character and behind-the-scenes work for ASB. Madelaine recalled her nervous excitement on the first day of high school, but being put at ease with a welcoming smile from art instructor Mrs. Weiher. She also talked about the importance of getting out of your shell in order to grow as a student and person.
Lillie Hernandez-Sweet, the Salutatorian, thanked her fellow students, teachers, and friends for helping the class get ready to take the next step. She said that Lassen is special because “it’s not about the place, it’s about the people.”
Valedictorian William Beterbide began by thanking all of the adults who were responsible for the upbringing of his classmates. He also praised the teachers and staff for developing personal relationships with the students at LHS. Beterbide said his class has “persisted these hardships and persevered” while demonstrating great resilience and strength. He also encouraged his classmates to make someone’s life better by being kind and helpful in order to make a change in the world.
The LHS Concert Choir provided a brief interlude with their rendition of “See You Again.”
Keynote Speaker and Assistant Principal Josh Blackburn started his presentation with a story about his daughters. Every night before bedtime, he has a talk with the girls that include six special words. The first word is brave. He told the Class of 2021 “You are brave”, saying that while it seems obvious, it is also one of the most difficult things to be.
Blackburn then introduced each word with examples and encouragement for the graduates to “be” these special qualities. He ended by reminding each graduate that that they are “brave”, “kind”, “smart”, “beautiful”, “courageous”, and “loved” and the students responded in the affirmative.
Blackburn, with the assistance of counselor Heather Eastwood, called each graduate forward as they were awarded their diploma and congratulated by Nugent and the Board of Trustees. The crowd enthusiastically celebrated with cheers, signs, balloons, and other noise makers as each name was read.
Finally, Mr. Nugent presented the class to Board President Margie Teeter and Jack and Autry led them in the turning of the tassels. Purple and gold confetti filled the air and the celebration continued as families and friends poured from the grandstands to join their graduates on the field.
Congratulations to the Class of 2021! Lassen High School is proud of you and can’t wait to see what your future holds.
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