Gustine High seniors – all 121 of them – began the next chapter of their life after they received their diploma and officially graduated high school last Friday.

Friday’s graduation ceremony was filled with anticipation from the graduating class of completing a major milestone in their life. While their peers sat in their seats thinking about how they were going to celebrate, the student speakers used their time on the podium expressing gratitude to their mentors, reflecting on how their four-year journey and sacrifices shaped who they are today.

The ceremony began with three students giving a welcome speech in three different languages. Lyneah Esparza’s speech was in English while Oscar Vergara and Josie Nunes spoke in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively, afterwards.

In her address, Esparza spoke about entering high school and the anxiety of trying to meet new people. Through each year, she became more familiar with the site, students and teachers. As Esparza continued to speak, she was holding back her emotions.

“This year wasn’t just about finishing strong. It was about realizing how far we’ve come,” Esparza said. “One thing is certain, we will always carry a piece of Gustine High.”

Following the welcome addresses, Yajaira Huizar was recognized as valedictorian by Gustine High Agriculture Teacher Rachael Day. Day said she saw a lot of her younger self when she met Huizar.

“I’ve been consistently inspired by her and cannot wait to see how she changes the world,” Day said.

Principal Adam Cano acknowledged Gwendolyn Barcelos as the salutatorian. Barcelos, who spoke on the podium, said behind her accomplishments was someone who was trying to figure her life out. While becoming Associated Student Body President as sophomore was one of her best feats, the leadership role began to take up the majority of her time, Barcelos said.

“I was taking on more than I can handle in hopes of proving myself as a leader,” Barcelos said. “To outsiders, I may look like a successful young woman with a perfect life, but inside I was exhausted from trying to live up to every expectation.”

At the beginning of her final year, Barcelos decided to lay back. From enjoying homecoming to playing her sports on senior night, she remembered “what it’s like to be a kid.”

“I think many of us quietly learned this lesson, quietly, over the last four years: Success doesn’t care about stress, pressure, anxiety and self-doubt,” she said. “Sometimes the students that seem the busiest [or] the most accomplished are also the ones carrying invisible weight.”

After Barcelos left the podium, students began to walk the white runway and receive their diploma, including seven students from Pioneer High School in Gustine.

Upon receiving their diplomas, confetti was thrown in the air and families gathered on the field in celebration.