Merced High School graduate Mohammed Mohammed makes his way off the stage after receiving his diploma during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Shawn Jansen
Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
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The class of 2023 graduates were celebrated with commencement ceremonies s at high schools throughout Merced County on Thursday night.
The Merced Union High School District honored more than 2,400 graduates during ceremonies held at Merced, Golden Valley, El Capitan, Atwater, Buhach Colony and Livingston high schools.
Each graduate had a turn to walk across the stage after their name was called to accept their diploma as family and friends cheered from the large crowds gathered at each site.
“We may be graduating high school but this is definitely not the end,” said Golden Valley student speaker Jessica Elias Mendez. “There is so much more for us to accomplish and conquer.”
Golden Valley High School graduate Jessica Elias Mendez addresses her fellow graduates during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
The largest graduating class in Merced County belonged to Golden Valley with 467 graduates with Atwater close behind with 464.
Buhach Colony (441 graduates), El Capitan (417), Merced (386) and Livingston (285) all drew large crowds, as well.
El Capitan High School seniors pose for photos before the start of their graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at El Capitan High School. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
“As we enter adulthood, there are many millions of forks in the road in front of us,” said Golden Valley student speaker Cooper Hansen. “And with the right perspective we can see clearly that these paths are opportunities. Each and every one of us here today has the ability to take these opportunities. We get to choose our own destiny.”
Merced High School graduates toss their caps in the air at the conclusion of school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
El Capitan High School honored 417 graduates during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
Merced Union High School District superintendent Alan Peterson speaks during the Golden Valley High School graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
Merced High School graduate Ameya Dickerson reacts after receiving her diploma during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
El Capitan High School seniors (from left to right) Aldo Alejo, Leslie Ramirez, Brenda Rojas and Jadelyn Sanchez pose for photos before the start of the El Capitan High School graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
Golden Valley High School graduate Cooper Hansen addresses the crowd during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
Merced High School graduate Makenzie Gonzalez receives her diploma from Merced principal Marcus Knott during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
Merced High School graduates celebrate after the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
Golden Valley High School principal Kevin Swartwood addresses the crowd during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
Merced High School graduate Leah Charriez reacts after receiving her diploma during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Shawn Jansen Sjansen@mercedsun-star.com
This story was originally published June 2, 2023 at 7:47 AM.
Sports writer Shawn Jansen has been covering Merced area sports for 20 years. He came to Merced from Suisun City and is a graduate of San Diego State University. Prior to the Sun-Star, Shawn worked at the Daily Republic in Fairfield.
