After a long school year, Cache Creek High School kicked off the high school graduations in the Woodland Joint Unified School District when they held a ceremony for their 74-student class of 2023 Thursday afternoon inside Pioneer High School’s gym.

“This is a momentous occasion, a celebration of your hard work, perseverance and achievements,” stated Cache Creek High School Principal Will Jarrell during the ceremony. “We gather here to commemorate your journey and to immerse ourselves in the time-honored traditions, the pomp and circumstance that befit a graduation ceremony.

“As you step into the uncharted territory of the coming years, let us not forget the principles of being positively self-directed — being present, positive, productive and reflective. It is our sincere hope that you carry these ideals forward, becoming the visionary leaders of our community and beyond.”

A Flag Salute by student Exavier Martinez kicked off the festivities, followed by a land acknowledgment by Jasmine Hernandez and Samantha Estrada.

After the principal and WJUSD Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin said a few words, Ray Coronado, the faculty speaker, was next.

“…Remember that your education has equipped you with the power to effect positive change. Stand up against injustice, raise your voices for those who are silenced and fight for equality. Whether it be through advocacy or simply treating others with empathy, kindness and respect, each of you has the potential to make a significant impact.

“Respect is an essential cornerstone of a just and compassionate society. It is the recognition and appreciation of the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. Respect transcends differences and allows us to build bridges of understanding and acceptance.

“…Congratulations, Class of 2023, and may you be the change that this world so desperately needs.”

Martinez, who performed the flag salute, was next to speak after he was given the role of student speaker.

“… I’d like to share some stories about my experience at Cache Creek,” Martinez read. “Before I came to Cache Creek, I was going to school right here at Pioneer, and I had a completely different outlook on what it would be like at the Creek. I was low on my credits. I had a lot of stuff going on in my personal life, constantly moving from city to city and school to school. I was trying. But my full focus wasn’t on school. When the counselor at Pioneer told me I was going to be sent to Cache Creek, I felt like a failure. But I quickly learned that it was the best decision to get me where I am today.

“My outlook on school changed as soon as I got to the Creek. On day one, I met Mr. Seto, and he made me feel welcomed automatically. When he taught, he didn’t just talk at me, he showed me how to do the work and how it applied to my life. He made me realize that I am extremely resilient. No matter how much BS I had going on, I was able to stay focused and move forward. All of us have been through stuff that no one knows about, that we carry with us to school every day. But we are all resilient, and we can all move forward and be successful in our own ways.

“Cache Creek is like no other school I have been to. The staff doesn’t judge you by how you look, and they actually try to form relationships with the students. The modified schedule, one on one help from teachers and staff, and just the all-around support was exactly what I needed.”

The ceremony began to come to a close following the presentations of the Jose Leon & Delia Nevarez Scholarship and the Mexican American Concilio of Yolo County scholarship.

Student Singer Mia Canchola was the penultimate event before the closing presentation of Cache Creek diplomas.