Photo by William Lange

The Class of 2017 will soon complete their high school journey this week as they walk across the stage, receive their diplomas and turn their tassels. Seniors from Maricopa High School graduate Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Sequoia Pathway Academy graduates will attend commencement the Friday at 7 p.m.

Maricopa High School Commencement Preview:

MHS Seniors will first hear an address from Principal Renita Myers, before Mayor Christian Price and Ak-Chin Chairman Robert Miguel speak to the crowd.

Student Body President Lillian Chitwood will act as master of ceremonies and perform a brief welcoming speech to her fellow seniors.

Following Chitwood will be speeches from Salutatorian Rachel Blakely and Co-Valedictorians John Blodgett and Alfred Abraham.

Lt. Col. Allen Kirksey and Master Sgt. Dishon Gregory will lead military honors.

A moment of silence will be held for students Luis Garcia and Logan Jones. Garcia was killed in a car accident on Interstate 10 in 2015. Jones died in April after health complications with the influenza B virus. The commemoration will be led by Alicia Garcia.

Retiring Guidance Counselor Larry Veltrie will introduce exchange students, and then the MUSD Governing Board and administration will present graduates with diplomas.

Sequoia Pathway Academy HS Graduation Preview:

Principal Nathan Lamma will welcome seniors and their families Friday evening before a series of honors are introduced by Dean of Students Justin Price, Central Arizona College and the Dorrance Scholarship.

Pathway will hear from Valedictorian Hailey Cantrell, and afterward, Lamma will return to the stage for his final address to seniors.

The commencement nears the end when school administrators present the students with diplomas, but their future is just beginning as Lamma will officially announce the Class of 2017 as high school graduates.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR