The Ripon Elementary School 8th graders – some 60 of them – marched up the center aisle of the Ripon High School multi-purpose auditorium to hear speakers, receive awards and take their diplomas they had worked for over the last nine years.

The class members marched in single file to the delight of parents and other family members in a packed house Thursday evening.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Principal Mike Larson and a welcome to the audience by Victoria White and Juan Ruiz.

Citizenship awards were presented by Aline White and James Thomas.  School district trustee Kit Oase presented the coveted Trustee Awards to high achieving students. The guest speaker was alumna Megan Morais who was introduced by Felicia Ceja.

The class song, “Sing,” by Chemical Romance ended the ceremonies followed by “Fireworks” by Katy Perry.