Caliche High School bid farewell to 17 Buffaloes on Saturday at the school’s annual commencement ceremony.
The ceremony started with the graduates proceeding into the gym as the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” played. This was followed by welcoming remarks from valedictorian Annalise Roth.
“One thing I was reflecting on as graduation day closer is the way that Caliche has been a home away from home over the past years,” she said, explaining that many of the graduates have been together since kindergarten or sooner, adding others along the way. “During our time here we’ve made lasting friendships, lived life together and made so many memories.”
Roth told her classmates that graduation marks the end of another chapter in their lives and while they are all heading down separate paths towards different futures, together they are walking away with the skills and experiences that that they need in order to continue on.
“I am beyond confident that we all have so much to offer to the world,” she said.
After her remarks, Caliche Assistant Principal Jamie Johnstone thanked the donors who make it possible for Caliche students to continue their education, sharing that the Class of 2022 has been awarded over $160,000 in scholarships. Students awarded scholarships include: Abbey Adolf, Emma Breidenbach, Trista Hernandez, Brandyn Hill, Nevada Mitchell, Annalise Roth, Reegan Skeels, Macie Smock, Alli Stromberger
Following the scholarship recognition, the graduates presented flowers to family and friends and a senior slideshow was played.
Caliche Principal Dave Eastin then presented the Class of 2022 to RE-1 Valley Interim Superintendent Ron Marostica, who accepted the class and the graduates then made their way across the stage to receive their diplomas.
Once all of the diplomas were given out and tassels flipped, valedictorian Macie Smock gave remarks, sharing fond memories of each one of her classmates, from teaming up against a classmate in four-way dodge ball to spending hours in a pantry eating snacks.
“Thank you guys for these memories, I will take them with me always. From all of us to all of you, goodbye and farewell,” Smock said to the audience.
The new graduates then receded out of the gym to the class song, “These Are My People,” by Rodney Atkins, and on to the next chapter of their lives.
The Caliche High School Class of 2022 includes: Abbey Adolf, Baylonna Bivens, Emma Breidenbach, Trista Hernandez, Brandyn Hill, Harley Kingsley, Haylee Marick, Kyser Martinez, Nevada Mitchell, Jeremia Potyondy, Zachary Ralston, Annalise Roth, Matthew Serrano, Reegan Skeels, Macie Smock, Alli Stromberger and Coy Waitley.
