Dressed regally in caps, gowns, and tassels, more than 800 Baldwin Park Unified Class of 2022 graduates celebrated the final moments of their high school journeys during commencement ceremonies held on June 1 and 2.
With excited crowds of family and friends cheering wildly, Baldwin Park, Sierra Vista and North Park high school graduates gave each other farewell hugs, listened to inspirational speeches, and proudly walked on stage to receive their diplomas, many acknowledging their supporters with waves and smiles.
“We celebrate the Class of 2022 graduates because of their ability to rise to the occasion and channel adversity into a foundation for their future success. Congratulations on your many accomplishments,” Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza said. “We also celebrate our amazing team of educators for their passion and dedication in helping our students achieve their dreams.”
Sierra Vista High School celebrated more than 400 graduates with moving speeches from valedictorian Irene Yan, who graduated with a 4.827 GPA and will attend Stanford University, and salutatorian Bangxi Lu, who graduated with a GPA of 4.735 and will attend Washington University in St. Louis.
“This is your life, so live unapologetically,” Yan said. “In a life where you can be anything, be kind. There will never be too much kindness. We’ve all needed it before, and we’ll always be in need of it. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. To everyone who has shown us kindness and grace these past four years, thank you.”
Yan ended her speech by recognizing her sister, Cindy, who was a member of the Sierra Vista Class of 2020, which was unable to celebrate its graduation with an in-person ceremony.
Baldwin Park High School graduated nearly 300 students, led by valedictorian Nhi Doan, who graduated with a 4.681 GPA and will attend UCLA, and salutatorian Junior Granados, who graduated with a 4.52 GPA and will attend Cal Poly Pomona.
In their speeches, Doan and Granados reflected on the resilient qualities of the Braves Class of 2022, overcoming the adversity of school closures.
“I’m extremely proud of the Class of 2022 for making it this far,” Doan said. “I’d like to give you all a piece of advice. Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature. Stand up for what you believe in and never apologize for it. Fight your way through the hardships and come back better. Class of 2022, blaze your way through life with a smile.”
More than 100 North Park graduates wore commemorative black and gold necklaces emblazoned with the school Viking logo, continuing a school tradition where students present them as a gift to a person who has played a key role in their lives as a token of their appreciation.
“I can’t wait to see what our lives will turn out to be,” North Park graduate Samantha Mora said. “Let’s explore all of our possibilities and be the best at what we do. As long as we keep moving forward and never give up on our dreams, then I know we will not only make everyone proud but we will continue to be proud of ourselves too.”
PHOTOS
BPUSD_BPHS_GRAD: Baldwin Park High School Class of 2022 graduates celebrate by tossing their caps into the air, signifying the end of their high school journey, during a commencement ceremony held June 2. Nearly 300 Baldwin Park High students were among the 2022 graduating class.
BPUSD_SVHS_GRAD: Sierra Vista High School Class of 2022 graduates wave to family and friends as they prepare to receive their diplomas, during a commencement ceremony held June 2. More than 400 Sierra Vista High students were among the 2022 graduating class.
BPUSD_NPHS_GRAD: North Park High School Class of 2022 graduates proudly display their diplomas and share a final moment after their commencement ceremony held June 1. More than 100 North Park High students were among the 2022 graduating class.