Like almost everything else in this COVID tainted year, Sierra High’s graduation Thursday was not normal.
Although it started with “Pomp and Circumstance” and ended with the recessional after the awarding of diplomas, this year’s commencement will be a two-night affair with the class of 313 split in two. This cuts the crowd in half and spreads it over two nights with the second half commencing tonight at 7.
Following a stellar rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” by Abigail Nunis, class president Phuong Nguyen welcomed his contemporaries, pointing out that while the pandemic could have easily divided the class, it brought the class of 2021 together.
Salutatorian Allison Threet recapped both the normal and unusual aspects of this class’ four-year experience, and she told the crowd that, “Life is short and time is precious, so use yours to the fullest.”
Valedictorian Melanie Nguyen said, “Whichever path you decide to take, there is no right and or wrong, only different.”
While the anticipation and joy was palpable most of the evening, there was also a moment for somber reflection. Principal Steve Clark shared the story of Christy Limas, a member of the class of 2021 who perished in a traffic accident when she was a freshman with her sister, Brooke Limas, and stepmother Noelle Johnson.
Although not even through her freshman year when she died, Christy made an indelible mark on local FFA and AG circles.
There was an open chair for her Friday night with her dad, Chris Limas, grandmother, aunts and cousins in attendance. Her father and family were presented with an honorary diploma, AG honor cord and an Activities letter. Her friends took out a full-page yearbook ad in her memory.
Last year’s class did not have an in-person graduation, and in recognition of the class of 2020 a plaque has been placed at the snack bar.
A common thread throughout the night was the hurdles placed in front of this class due to the pandemic and the two musical performances highlighted this class’s resiliency. Rick Hammarstrom – who does a tremendous job with the Sierra band – outdid himself with the direction Chuck Mangione’s “Feels so Good” by the Sierra Jazz Band and “Don’t Worry About a Thing” by Katelynn Morales and Jeriah Marson with Morales’ penetrating voice echoing far outside Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.
