SPHS GRADUATION 2023 | Get Ready World – Here They Come!

 

Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of adversity that has shaped the world, the South Pasadena High School’s Class of 2023 defies the odds and emerges victorious. Their hard-won achievement symbolizes resilience and unwavering determination in the face of unprecedented challenges. The theme: ‘Life is a Highway’. As the familiar sounds of Rascal Flatts’ “Life is a Highway” fill the air, the atmosphere is both exultant and poignant. Gathered together on June 1, 2023, amidst esteemed SPUSD leaders, faculty, dignitaries, and families, this graduation marks the profound transition into the next chapter of their life’s journey.

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Senior Class President Kyra Nielsen announced every one of her fellow classmates for the presenting of the diplomas and, in quick fashion, the ceremony was completed in just under an hour. The National Anthem was performed acappella by Lia Borja and Han Lim, Nielsen delivered a welcome message, speeches were given by Brynn Buckley and Sam Grotenstein, who, in his speech “New Beginnings” quoted Hunter S. Thompson when he said, “we must make the goal conform to the individual, rather than make the individual conform to the goal.” Grotenstein went on to say “it is up to us to create the world we wish to live in.”

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The introduction of distinguished guests was given by Senior Class Secretary Michael Mayemura, the presentation of the class gift was made by Senior Class Treasurer Rachel Liao. The Class of 2023 has gifted South Pasadena High School with funds to complete the full restoration of the Class of 1950’s gift of the painted curtain that hangs in the Anderson Auditorium – a curtain that traditionally is hung for all special events but in recent years had become tattered.

The Presentation of the Class was made by Principal John Eldred and the presentation of diplomas was delivered by Superintendent Dr. Geoff Yantz and Board of Education President Patricia Martinez-Miller. Commissioner of Academics, Charles Betts presented the Class of 2023 Valedictorian, Jacqueline Mancera, and Salutatorian, Talia Yoo.

A farewell was delivered by Senior Class Vice President Jayden Tran after which the singing of the school’s alma mater was sung for the final time by the Class of 2023 on Roosevelt Field. At this point tassels were moved to the opposite side from where they once were, caps were tossed and the strains of “Life is a Highway” rang out as the graduates gathered with their friends and families on the lower field.

Those who spoke reflected on four very unique and memorable years at South Pasadena High School and the city in which they grew up. This was a class who spent two years of their high school experience going through a global pandemic together, seeing so many of their rituals and rites of passage cancelled.

They persevered with courage and determination and, like the rest of the world, have grown and changed in profound ways. Looking out at her classmates, Buckley encouraged them to be present, saying, “living in the moment is a difficult thing to do – remember these feelings of how it felt to sit here together tonight.”

Congratulations South Pasadena High School graduating Class of 2023! Now off to Disneyland!

SPHS GRADUATION CEREMONY 2023 PHOTOS:
NOTE: If you use these photos for social media, a photo credit is required, and greatly appreciated. Photo Credit: Jame Jontz SPHS ASB | The South Pasadenan News

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A special thank you to James Jontz, SPHS & Mikey Hirano, of Rafu Shimpo