June 1, 2018
By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources
WALNUT, CA— Nearly 1,500 Walnut Valley USD seniors donned caps and gowns eager to soar into the future on May 31.
During Walnut High’s 49th commencement, 672 graduates streamed into the Ken Gunn Stadium waving to family members and friends in the bleachers.
The Blue Thunder band played Pomp and Circumstance during the processional as each Class of 2018 member took their place on the field.
“I’m feeling excited and sad at the same time,” commented senior speaker Adam Ng moments before the ceremony.
“I’m going to miss all the friends that I’ve made - our class is definitely one to remember!”
Many of the true-blue seniors showed creativity by decorating caps with original artwork, flowers, mini lights, and mottos such as The Future Begins Now, To Infinity and Beyond, and Leave Your Own Legacy.
Amber Chen capped off her high school experience with the golden words: You’ll never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.
“I’ve definitely found a community and group of friends that I trust,” said the Berkeley-bound grad.
“Even though I’m going far away to college, I know that every time I come back I will feel at home!”
The teens soon settled into their seats for the 6 p.m. ceremony ready to listen to parting words from school leaders and peers before receiving the pivotal symbol of all their hard work - a diploma.
“Your personal pathway will open many doors to the future,” said Principal Brandon Dade.
“Remember you will always be a Mustang!”
“We will always miss this place when we are gone because all good things unfortunately come to an end,” said senior speaker Yasmeen Mashayekh.
“When I look out at each of you, I see the leaders of our future with a distinct goal to make the world a better place,” said Ng while addressing his classmates.
The graduates marked the final moments together by turning tassels and tossing caps in the air.
Ng encouraged his peers to pave their own destiny.
“We have the choice to be the superheroes of our own lives – one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is to commit to the journey and not the outcome.”
Congratulations to the following Walnut High Valedictorians graduating with highest honors: Yuehong Chen, Renee Hua, Alina Kim, Justin Kyinn, Mengzhou Liu, Eugene Lo, Ransom Mac Leith, Vania Rachel, Wenbo Shi, Uniss Tan, Ashley Tung, Adriana Villarruel, Christopher Wong, Breanna Yep.
Twenty-six International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Candidates completed the rigorous academic program: Aaya Ahmed, Eunice Castro, Lindy Chen, Barnabas Choi, Jade Dai, Tiffany Han, Aaron Hong, Yichen Jiang, Ashley Lee, Catherine Li, Annie Liew, Nathan Lin, Fitty Liu, Candace Ma, Gaebrielle Paguio, Keon Peng, Marian Lyleth Remoroza, Cossette Sanqui, Lena Trinh, Eric Wang, Rita Xu, Justin Yeung, Alexandria Yu, Anna Yu, Rachel Zhang.
IB Career-Related Program-Project Lead The Way (IBCP-PLTW) Candidates: Jordyn Arce, Chriselle Badua, Brian Chang, Selena Chen, Kevin Cheng, Samuel Chien, Jocelyn Do, Isaac Duran, Emily Gehringer, Audrey Kuo, Alicia Lu, Michael Lu, Arianha Montelongo, Jodee-Anne Pagusan, Janelle Pham, Gina Pinsakul, Omar Sultan, Aryaman Trikala, Aaron Tsay, Brandon Tueng.
At Diamond Bar High, 809 Brahmas participated in commencement ceremonies at the Holmes Memorial Stadium. Congratulations to Valedictorians: Brian Chang, Darin Chang, Irene Chang, Jade Chen, Rajvir Dua, Rachel Feng, Elizabeth Fontana, Christine Gu, Matthew Ho, Emily Jacobsson, Valerie Le, Alvin Lee, Evelyn Lee, Megan Lee, Brian Li, Diana Lin, Pablo Martinez, Ezrie Mc Curry, Jessica Rene Ogena, Rejie Palingayan, Christian Park, Eric Peng, Desirae Prather, Collin Satawidinata, William Shao, Meghan Shen, Michelle Shen, Huiyi Shi, Ashley To, Hannah Wangsa, Amy Xia, Jeffrey Xing, Tanya Yang, Catherine Zhang, Kelly Zhang, Matthew Zhuo.
IB Certificate Candidates: Claudia Chen, Megan Hoang, Winnie Houng, Alexander Ov, Amara Ov, Lily Park, Sharon Tian, Jasmine Yang.
Shown:
Walnut High seniors march across the stage to collect diplomas during 49h commencement on May 31.
Walnut High seniors wave to family members as they enter the Ken Gunn Stadium.
Walnut High 2018 graduates enjoy speeches during ceremony.
Superstar Class of 2018 members Amber Chen, Christopher Wong, Fitty Liu, and Ransom Mac Leith.
Mustang Pride! Walnut High valedictorians are recognized with gold medallions during the ceremony.
Senior speaker Yasmeen Mashayekh delivers message to classmates.
Senior speaker Adam Ng delvers message to classmates.
Berkeley-bound seniors Fitty Liu and Amber Chen show off decorated caps.