Class of 2024 Riverbank High and Adelante High School seniors received diplomas and graduated into their futures last week.
Adelante Ceremony
Adelante, the continuation high school, saw 29 students advance, in the early evening on Friday, May 24, in ceremonies held in the Ray Fauria Memorial Gymnasium on the RHS campus.
The graduation was presented by Principal Ed Vaca, at 5:30 p.m., with Riverbank Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Constantino Aguilar presiding, along with members of the school board.
After the processional, the Class of 2024 was welcomed by Vaca, and student Ciara Aimbez led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem.
Vaca introduced Salutatorians Aimbez and Marian Orozco Barragan and Valedictorian Jayla Carranza, who spoke of the class accomplishments and hopes for a bright future.
Math teacher Fred Wood was the concluding speaker, before diplomas were awarded.
Following the recessional, the graduates, as is the tradition, gathered in a circle across the gym from the stage, throwing their caps into the air in celebration.
RHS Graduation
About an hour after the conclusion of Adelante’s ceremonies, Principal Vaca had to pick up and start again, moving over to Angelo Novi Stadium, for the beginning of Riverbank High’s graduation.
After the Pomp and Circumstance processional, by Sir Edward Elgar, and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by ASB President Katherine Tigert, then the National Anthem, Principal Vaca welcomed the crowd of administrators, faculty, staff, friends and family members of the assembled graduates.
Counselor Shauna Solari announced the names of the many winners of awards and scholarships for the Class of 2024.
Valedictorian Ramon Toribio Torres and Salutatorian Fatima Gonzalez both spoke, presenting their views of the obstacles overcome as well as their collective bright hopes for the future.
The class was then presented for graduation by Principal Vaca, and accepted by District Superintendent Aguilar.
That was followed by presentation of diplomas by members of the RUSD Board of Education, then the Recessional, to the tune of ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey.
In all, each of the commencement ceremonies took about an hour.
