Herlong High School celebrates 2021 graduates
Following a year of trials, the 10 most recent Herlong High School graduates are off on their next adventures.
“Today we leave this school and take our first steps as adults going to college and work,” Valedictorian Amber Duncan shared during the Friday, June 18 commencement ceremony.
The 10 graduates are Amber Duncan, Sarah-Lynn Ansaldo, Corben Child, Hunter Perez, Justin Spoon, Grace Burner, Kameron Conradi, Stephanie Green, Alyssia Moore and Ryan Sudduth.
During the ceremony, the Herlong High School Vikings graduates were celebrated, their future plans were revealed and they even got an opportunity to thank loved ones during the Presentation of Roses.
“It has been a crazy year but we made it,” Salutatorian Sarah-Lynn Ansaldo said to her peers after sharing the class history and future plans. “We may not see each other after today, but I know your future will bloom into something big.”
The graduates even received some parting wisdom from guest speaker Deputy Michael Mai, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office school resource officer.
Mai started off explaining the simple goal of making your bed every morning; Because, no matter what, you start the day off with a completed task.
He also quoted Bruce Lee, encouraging the graduates to never speak negatively about themselves, and later added they should not dwell on the past.
Just before the diplomas were awarded, Superintendent/ Principal Keith Tomes reminded the graduates of three key Viking qualities: They have a quick wit, bravery and they are ones to take action.
Surrounded by friends and family, the graduates received their diplomas, and by the end of the ceremony, they joined the forever Herlong Viking family.
“Follow your dreams, go after what you want, and don’t stop until you get it,” Tomes concluded.