Fairfield - The temperature was already headed towards the 80s on Thursday morning, heating up the spirits of the 84 students graduating from Sem Yeto High School.
Inside Fairfield High School’s Schaefer Stadium, families and friends fanned themselves with paper programs while waving and cheering as their favorite graduates walked in to take their seats on the field. In her welcome address, Superintendent Kris Corey thanked Sem Yeto graduates for taking advantage of the school and its learning opportunities, naming each student a miracle for achieving this significant milestone.
Sem Yeto High School graduates walk into Schaefer Stadium Thursday morning, ready to receive their diplomas.
Student Speaker Imshala Edwards spoke about the growth that the graduates have made. “We began this voyage as children,” Edwards began, “but we’re leaving as adults.” Dean Shreve, Faculty Speaker at Thursday’s graduation, urged the student body not to let high school be the best years of their lives. “Grow. If you can maintain passion and perseverance for long-term goals, you will have the grit you need to achieve those goals.”
Grit is exactly what these students have needed to reach this milestone despite a global pandemic and all that came with it. “Under these trying circumstances, these students persevered and did what was needed to graduate.” Highlighted James Hightower, Principal of Sem Yeto High School. “Congratulations to all of them!”
Hightower conveyed that he believes the struggles each graduate endured and the trials and tribulations that they faced would serve them well as they go forward and discover their future.
“We’ve successfully made it through one major milestone,” Edwards encouraged, “and nothing can stand in our way.” As we go into this next chapter, we take the experience with us. We know how to win, so let’s go show the world what winning looks like.”
Please click here to see more images from this graduation ceremony.
