GHS Class of 2021 Celebrates Commencement Ceremony

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - They have been through a lot, as Gridley High School senior and class historian, Ana Velasco, noted in her speech during Gridley High School’s commencement ceremony on Friday, June 11, 2021. To say that every class of 2021 missed out on a lot in 2020 is true, but the class of 2021 from Gridley High School and surrounding communities have endured more than most. As Velasco pointed out, they’ve endured a potential threat of the Lake Oroville Dam collapsing, multiple wildfires, and the difficult 2020-21 school year. But through it all, they persevered and pushed through, working hard to maintain their grade point averages, working hard with their athletics, all the while making some of the best memories to be made in high school. 

The commencement ceremony began with Gridley High School Principal, Justin Kern, making opening remarks to the cheers and applause of everyone in attendance. Cameron Carr and Emily Ruiz welcomed everyone before Grace Pantaleoni instructed the presentation of the Colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Collette Hansen and Marysa Taylor sang The Star-Spangled Banner in such eloquent harmony it gave everyone in attendance goosebumps. Principal Kern gave his commencement speech before Velasco spoke about the class of 2021’s past four years at Gridley High School. Kayllen Barnette, who finished at the top of the class, gave a theme speech providing advice to incoming high schoolers, her classmates, and about not stressing over the future, to “enjoy the now.” 

The class of 2021’s valedictorians were: Kayllen Barnette, Cameron Carr, Harjot Gakhal, David Galindo, Grace Pantaleoni, Alejandro Alvarez, Emily Ruiz, Jose Martinez, Gaoxershia Thao, Kennedy Tull, and Ana Velasco. The salutatorians for this year were: Ciah Moran, Marysa Taylor, Grant Tull, and Arly Santana.

Congratulations to Gridley High School’s class of 2021. “Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.”