Over 400 Granite Hills High School seniors received diplomas during a commencement ceremony that included a wind chill in the mid-30s.
The seniors spent most of the night holding their caps in place as strong winds blew through Newton T. Bass Stadium in Apple Valley on Wednesday, May 27.
The ceremony began with Senior Class President Seriah Golden reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem sung by Javier Alcantara-Rojos, Shane Churchhill, Camille Hinojosa and Cherie Glisson.
Principal Adam Powell welcomed the audience and praised the seniors for their many accomplishments. He also introduced summa cum laude students, including:
Governing Council President Jillian Rodriguez also shared before the Granite Hills Vocal Music Department sang the traditional “Irish Blessing.”
Senior Class President Seriah Golden led the tassel ceremony before streamers shot out of cannons and fireworks lit up the sky.
With the stadium lights off, loved ones used cell phone flashlights to reunite with the graduates on the field under a near-full moon.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Granite Hills seniors brave cold, strong wind for graduation
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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