Antioch High sends off 300 graduates into the world
Salutatorian Diego Gonzalez Ventura and Valedictorian Diana Muñoz speak to their classmates on Friday night, June 8, 2018. Photos by Luke Johnson.
By Jesus Cano
Not even the strong winds infiltrating Antioch High School’s Class of 2018 graduation could have ruined the milestone celebration for its students.
But that is just one of the adversities the class had to face during their tenure as Panthers.
Something expressed deeply by many of the speakers was how discontent they were about not having a cafeteria throughout high school. In addition to that, during their sophomore year these scholars did not have their home, outdoor multi-purpose athletic facility (Eels Stadium), as it was under renovation.
That foreshadowed what these students were able to receive over time. Principal Louie Rocha pointed out that these students were able to witness the opening of the new library and media center.
But at the end of their high school careers, many of the students felt that walking across the stage was well worth the struggle.
Valedictorian Diana Muñoz and Salutatorian Diego Gonzalez Ventura both touched on the subjects about being children of immigrant parents in their speeches, but Gonzalez Ventura additionally spoke about his denial into both Dozier-Libbey and granted admission into one of Deer Valley’s academies.
“The best decision of my life was withdrawing my petition for appeal at Deer Valley,” Gonzalez Ventura said. “I got to create a whole new family here at Antioch.”
This was a smaller class for Antioch, with only 300 graduates, but Rocha saw unity. It was demonstrated by them organizing a rally on the National Walkout day to spread awareness about gun control following the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
“This class really highlights a strong sense of community,” Rocha said. “I think they’re going to make a difference in the years to come.”
See more photos on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.
Antioch High Class of 2018 graduates celebrate.
the attachments to this post:
AHS graduates
AHS grads
Salutatorian Diego Gonzalez Ventura & Valedictorian Diana Munoz
No cafeteria for four years. No PA system to hear the valedictorians speeches. The board of trustees mostly wore the same clothes they wore for Deer Valley the night before and Mr Hack took pictures with students as they received their diplomas not wearing a suit. He could have had the decency to dress for the occasion. But, they were happy kids!