GREENFIELD — A packed stadium crowd at Greenfield High School on Friday watched as more than 200 students became the Bruins’ graduating Class of 2025.
“The dedication and patience it took to raise us are about to pay off as we walk across this stage to receive our diploma,” Alejandro Chavez said in the class dedication. “Without your commitment and sacrifices, we would not be where we are today.”
Chavez dedicated the June 6 ceremony to loved ones and all who shaped the people the graduates had become.
Principal Charlotte Vega reflected on an early life lesson and how it would serve the Bruin graduates well into the future. She opened by sharing a story about falling in the parking lot and realizing five students rushed to check on her.
“They did not hesitate to come over to me immediately and offer their help,” Vega said. “They proceeded to pick up my belongings and help me back to the office. So even though I sustained an injury from tripping, the best part of it was seeing how amazing those five students were who were there to help me up.”
Vega linked the story to the ongoing life lesson she wanted the students to remember.
“When you’re little and fell down, your parents, siblings and other family members encouraged you to get right back up. You learned that then and you’ve been doing it ever since,” she added. “… There will be times when you fall. You will get back up and keep moving forward.”
Vega also encouraged the seniors to surround themselves with people who will support them on their journeys.
“You are Bruins — kind, caring and connected,” Vega said. “Your new path is waiting for you. Don’t be afraid to fall. You will have the strength and support to get back up.”
Associated Student Body President Abigail Valdez reflected on the past, from the confusion of Covid-19 hitting during seventh grade, to the rush to learn in freshman year.
“We made it, after years of tests, stress, growing pain and late nights,” Valdez said. “We did it. We’re graduating!”
Salutatorian Claudia Gonzalez also reflected on the past’s sudden link to the present.
“Now that we are here, I know most of us are thinking the same thing: where did all the time go,” Gonzalez said. “Today we step into a new world. We cross from the familiar into the mystery of what comes next. That part alone is enough to confuse anyone. But isn’t that what life is? Messy, uncertain and incredibly beautiful.”
She encouraged her classmates to do great things not only for themselves, but also for their community.
“We can prove to ourselves that anything is possible, no matter big or small,” Gonzalez said. “Our time is now.”
Valedictorian Larry Picazo-Delgado thanked the families, friends and loved ones who supported the graduates.
“It’s been four long years since we first walked onto campus as freshmen, nervous, curious and unsure of what comes next,” Picazo-Delgado said. “Now we leave today as proud alumni of Greenfield High School.”
Picazo-Delgado encouraged graduates to celebrate the high school journey rather than be sad it ended. He also shared the John Shedd quote, “A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.”
“Life is meant to be lived with purpose,” Picazo-Delgado said. “Growth comes from taking chances. From stepping into the unknown, even when it’s uncomfortable.” He closed by saying, “We are not just the future, we are the now.”
