Diplomas in hand, high school graduates ready for next step

The seniors of Maricopa High School embarked on the next step of their lives Friday night, as the class of 2009 held its graduation ceremony at the school’s football stadium.

Senior Jasmine Melvin kicked off the ceremony by singing the national anthem as the class that received a total of $1.3 million in scholarships celebrated the last moments of being high school seniors and stepped forward to the future.

“This is our day, this is our day to celebrate our accomplishment,” said Meardey Kong in the beginning of her speech. “Tonight is not just the end of our journey, it’s the beginning of an exciting adventure.”

Most of the graduates were filled with excitement over finishing high school.

“I’m so excited. I can’t believe it actually came. Four years and we’re moving on,” said Casey Blatz. “It’s a small town, but you get to love everyone. I’ll always remember the friends, teachers, everyone here.”

In the fall, Blatz will go to Central Arizona College for two years.

“I can’t wait. After that, I’ll be going to a big university,” Blatz said. “I’m not sure yet about the degree I’ll study, but I’ll find out.”

The students were proud to be the first ones to graduate at the renovated high school and become a special part of the school’s history. With the first part of their educational journey completed, many of the seniors were filled with plans for the next stage.

“I’m going to ASU. It’s awesome, I can’t wait,” said Andrew Solis. “I’ll have a major of sustainability; ASU is the only school of sustainability in the world.”

The symbolic passage from the past to the future brought up many feelings.

“I’m ready to go. I don’t know, I just trying not to cry,” said Karla Torres, who is going to Grand Canyon University to study pre-medicine with the hopes of becoming a cardiologist.

Photos by Andréia Benite Cox