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Mossdale principal: Invite me to your college graduation
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McParland School Principal Dale Borgeson recognizes the top academic students. - photo by VINCE REMBULAT
Susan Sanders, principal at Mossdale School, made a promise to the Class of 2009.

“If you invite me to your college graduation – I’ll be there,” she said at Tuesday’s first-ever commencement ceremony held in the multi-purpose facility.

Some 67 eighth-grade students received their promotion certificate, clearing the way for high school. Many here will be attending Lathrop High in the fall.

For Sanders, this group established the standards for others to follow for years to come. She favored the Class of 2009, pushing it ahead of the group at Sequoia School, where she first served as vice principal 17 years ago.

Kenneth Matela, the student body president, had fond memories of his Mossdale years. The school was initially made up of students from various sites.

“We became a close family,” he said.

At George McParland School, the eighth-grade promotion ceremony has been an established tradition for quite some time.

This includes the presentation of a class gift, with this year’s group consisting of 126 eighth-grade students leaving trees as their legacy to put in place of the ones removed.

Diego Perez, who was one of two class speakers – the other was Victoria Guthrie, who talked about “The Journey Ahead” – said this eighth-grade graduation was simply a “New Chapter.”

“We’re in the beginning stages of our adult years,” he said.

On the horizon is high school, where most of the class will be attending East Union High in the fall.

At Joseph Widmer, 97 students received their eighth-grade certificate.

The Class of 2009 had four valedictorians – B.J. Bautista, Darren Erfe, Beatrice Kamau, and Daniel Maykel – leading the way.

Sonampreet Kaur, meanwhile, had the honors of welcoming friends, family and special guests while Harkiat Bassi led in the flag salute.