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December 2, 2008 Patterson, CA

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A noisy sendoff for Class of ’08

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Written by Maddy Houk \| Patterson Irrigator
Friday, 30 May 2008
Families and friends cheered as Patterson High School’s 295 graduates, flanked by teachers and staff, marched into Patterson Community Stadium on Thursday night. Principal Dave Stubbs led the Class of 2008 — girls dressed in crimson gowns and boys in gray — as they celebrated the end of their high school years. Balloons drifted skyward as “Pomp and Circumstance” filled the air. The Class of 2008 steps onto the stage and into the world after high school. Photo by Elias Funez/Patterson Irrigator Senior class president Regina Gomez said the time had come to step out into the world. “Here’s where we begin a new chapter in our lives,” Gomez said as she thanked family, friends and teachers for help and support. Seven valedictorians, all girls, spoke in turn over the noise of the crowd. Cecilia Ou, Brooke Borba, Kayla Stoppe, Claudia Moran, Carolina Ruiz, Rebecca Freres and Krista Loughman took time to reminisce. “We made it!” Cecilia Ou said. “For many of us, PHS has been a home away from home these past four years. Now it’s time to say goodbye.” Stoppe said the graduating class was well-prepared for what lies ahead. “We’re all coming out of the past four years prepared for the future,” Stoppe said. “You have one life to live, so make the best of it.” The other valedictorians highlighted the class’ accomplishments. HE GOT IT: Patterson Unifed School district board members Bruce Kelly (right) and Gilbert Lujan (center) present Eric Eduardo Hernandez with his diploma Thursday night at Patterson Community Stadium. Photo by Elias Funez/Patterson Irrigator Principal Dave Stubbbs started a new tradition at the high school and asked families, friends and students to stand and acknowledge the PHS teachers and staff for their dedication and professionalism. He also offered five suggestions for life outside high school: Never forget where you come from, and come back to visit. Be positive and be happy. Be dedicated, work hard and choose a career path that makes you happy. Tell someone “I love you” every day. Realize what everyone has in common with one another. Stubbs noted the class — which received more than $348,000 in scholarships, awards and grants this year — is a mix of students who come from different backgrounds and different towns. “I am proud of the Class of 2008 and the way you have come together,” he said. He then pointed out an empty chair on the field set aside for Korre Mitchell, a PHS senior who died in a car crash in fall 2007. The crowd stood and clapped as Mitchell’s mother, Marce Slazas, stepped to the stage to receive her daughter’s diploma. The list of graduate names was read aloud, punctuated by the sound of prohibited airhorns that some snuck into the event. Family and friends flooded the field immediately after the ceremony, with some students using cell phones to track down their parents in the mass of attendees. ALL SMILES: PHS graduate Kaelee Kramer applauds her fellow graduates during the commencement ceremony, which was punctuated by contraband airhorns. Photo by Elias Funez/Patterson Irrigator Though caught up in the moment, many graduates, including Sara Ielmini, 18, said they knew commencement was only one step on a long road. “I’m gong to study marine biology and take art classes,” said Ielmini, who will attend Modesto Junior College. “I’m not sure of my career yet.” Isaac Noriega, 17, also said he is going to college. “I’m going to college — hopefully Fresno State,” Noriega said. “I’m undecided, and hopefully I’ll think of what I want to do real quick.” To reach Maddy Houk at the Irrigator, call 892-6187 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Set as favorite Bookmark Email This Hits: 378 Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment smaller \| bigger Subscribe via email (Registered users only) I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.