Class of 2022: “We Did It!”
This years Senior’s graduate in front of a crowd of nearly 5000 family and community members
Colton High celebrated its 125th graduating class with a triumphant fireworks display.
Colton, CA–Memorial Stadium hosted Colton High’s 125th graduation on Thursday night as 360 seniors crossed the stage in front of a packed crowd of family, friends, and community members to honor their commitment to excellence.
For this Class of 2022, getting here was not always a sure thing, as the COVID-19 pandemic took away a year-and-a-half of their time in-person, and threatened to put a premature end to this year as well.
Former principal, Joda Murphy, who delivered a speech at the ceremony, has had a special connection with this group the last four years. “As principal, watching the class of 2022 grow from ninth to twelfth grade was especially moving,” she said. “To witness their strength and their support of one another was inspiring.”
In addition to speeches by Murphy and new principal, John Abbott, the graduates were treated to speeches from CJUSD Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda, School Board President Bertha Flores, and from this year’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Sadie Larios and Tiffany Trieu.
Larios’ speech was an emotionally powerful look at how not getting accepted to attend her dream school caused her to recognize one of life’s most important lessons. “Instead of us making our own hypothetical plans that stretch out for years that could be ruined by a single rejection letter, I now realize that we can only really take it one day at at time. In other words, I now welcome tomorrow.”
Lastly, ASB Senior Class President Crystal Mendoza presented the Class of 2022’s gift to Colton High School: a set of light-up marquee letters to be brought out for school events.
After all the pomp and circumstance, the graduates of 2022 were announced. Some microphone issues flustered staff and family members, but the students themselves did not seem to notice as they danced across the stage, shaking the hands of the district’s dignitaries and taking their commemorative photos.
For Nathan Torres, this was one of the most important moments of his life. “I didn’t walk for 8th grade, and I barely passed 6th grade,” he shared. “So this is very big for me. I’m finally doing it and I feel proud of myself.”
That was a sentiment that spread throughout the Class of 2022 all night long, especially as the evening was brought to an end with a rousing fireworks display.
Colton High graduated 360 of its 407 seniors for the 2022 year, an 88% graduation rate. This number does not include students from either Independent Study or the district’s Home/Hospital program.
Recently, the CHS Publications Department experienced a major theft as over $20,000 in photography equipment was stolen from our studio over Spring Break. This included all cameras. Any amount you donate will help rebuild our program. Thank you!
Jeremiah Dollins is in his third year as adviser for the award-winning Pepper Bough, Colton High School’s official source of news and entertainment....