Colton High Celebrates Commencement

COLTON >> Colton High School celebrated its commencement ceremonies Tuesday, June 7, sending graduating seniors off to the next stages of their lives with one final hurrah. The ceremony began with a musical prelude performed by the Colton High School Band, led by Director Dr. Lisa Nicolay. The band then serenaded the audience, made up of families, friends and graduating students, with Edward Elgar's arrangement of "Pomp and Circumstance." The students then made the processional march to the stage. Kevin Jaquez performed the National Anthem, and A.S.B. President Jacob Rivera led the audience with the Pledge of Allegience. Principal Joda Murphy gave the welcome and introduction, and President of the Board of Trustees gave the board president message. Valedictorian Adriana Bravo and Salutatorian Cynthia Carrillo gave their individual addresses to the crowd of students, admonishing them on their lives after graduation, and Senior Class President Steven Machado gave the final graduation address and presented the senior class gift. Murphy then presented the class of 2016 and conferred the diplomas to the students with the help of the Board of Trustees and Superintendent Jerry Almendarez. The commencement exercises ended with the ceremonial turning of the tassels and recitation of the alma mater, led by the class officers. With one final class yell, Colton High School sent another cohort of students out into the world.