College Bound!
Colton’s Seniors reveal their college choices at the annual College Commitment ceremony
Desyree Gutierrez is joined at the table by all her friends who will also be going to UC San Diego.
Colton, CA—With graduation less than a month away, the season to celebrate Colton High’s seniors continued Monday night at the annual College Commitment ceremony.
Held in the Rivera multi-purpose room, Eighty-four students publicly declared their postsecondary commitments by signing in front of their peers and parents. Colleges included local institutions like Cal State San Bernardino, Cal Baptist, Valley College, and Riverside Community College, as well as out of state schools like Boise State and the Hawai’i Pacific University.
The event, a joint effort between ASB, Renaissance, and Link Crew, was a lighthearted, joyful affair. ASB presented gifts to each of the seniors, students exchanged hugs and smiles, and one student—Angie Cera Luna—even took a selfie on stage after signing her commitment.
The seniors had an amazing time getting recognized and celebrated for their amazing accomplishments, cheering each other on throughout the night.
Many parents attended the event, proud to celebrate their students’ achievements. “I was happy, I knew he was going to get accepted,” said Armando Martinez, father of Nathaniel Martinez, who will be attending RCC in the fall. “I knew what he was up to and what his plans were.”
As for the seniors, the ceremony was a chance to confirm the choices they have made regarding their lives after CHS. Denise Diaz, senior class president and cheer captain, committed to UCLA, which seemed to surprise even her.
“It wasn’t even my first choice, “ Diaz said. “I trusted the process, the universe sent me on this path for a reason, so honestly just expect the unexpected.”
Leiloni Zesati was accepted into Hawai’i Pacific University, and committed to the school after doing a campus tour last month.
“I need a fresh start, so Hawai’i it is,” Zesati said.
With college commitments done, Colton’s seniors now turn their sights towards the remainder of May’s senior events. This includes Senior Sunset on May 12, Senior Awards Night on May 17, Grad Nite on May 19, Senior Finals from May 15-22, Senior Breakfast on May 23, and Graduation on May 25.
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!
Adrian Diaz is a freshman at Colton High School. He writes for the Pepper Bough.