BALDWIN PARK – Sierra Vista High School celebrated the commencement of 405 graduating seniors from the Class of 2016 on June 2, including students who will pursue the next stage of their college and career journeys at notable colleges and universities.
The school’s football stadium was painted red by graduation gowns as the students received diplomas and heard encouraging remarks from valedictorian Luz Mercado, salutatorian Raymond Phan and Principal Christine L. Simmons. Mercado, a recipient of the distinguished Gates Millennium Scholarship, will study human biology at Stanford University. Phan will attend UCLA, where he plans to major in physics and computer science.
Students received scholarships from the Baldwin Park Education Association, Baldwin Park Organization of Supervisors and Administrators, Baldwin Park Sister Cities Association and the Baldwin Park Women’s Club. They also received scholarships and awards from college, regional and national groups, including the California Teachers Association Scholarship, and the David and Martha Bilingual Student Scholarship.
Students will continue their studies at public and private colleges and universities, including Stanford, nearly every UC campus, USC, University of San Francisco, Whittier College, Mt. St. Mary’s University, the AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Los Angeles.
“Each year, students impress us with their accomplishments,” Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza said. “This year is no exception. We wish our students success in all their future endeavors as they transition into a new stage of their lives.”
PHOTOS:
SVHS COMMENCE_1: Members of the Sierra Vista High School Class of 2016 process into their commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at the school.
SVHS COMMENCE_2: A Sierra Vista High School graduate flashes double victory signs after receiving her diploma at the school’s commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 2, 2016.
SVHS COMMENCE_3: Valedictorian Luz Mercado shares her perspectives with fellow members of the Class of 2016 at Sierra Vista High School’s commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 2, 2016. Mercado, winner of a Gates Millennium Scholarship, is heading to Stanford to begin her pursuit of a medical degree.
SVHS COMMENCE_4: Families dress in school colors to honor their graduates during Sierra Vista High School’s commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 2016 at the school.
SVHS COMMENCE_5: Principal Christine L. Simmons celebrates the Class of 2016 at Sierra Vista High School’s commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 2, 2016.
SVHS COMMENCE_6: Sierra Vista High School Associated Student Body President Jessica Trujillo shares her thoughts with classmates at the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2016 on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at the school.
SVHS COMMENCE_7: A Sierra Vista graduate poses with proud family members at the school’s commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 2, 2016.