More than 220 Yolo Middle School eighth-grade students celebrated the next step in their education as they were promoted to becoming soon-to-be high school freshmen in a celebratory event held at Orestimba High’s Warrior Stadium last Thursday.
Thursday’s ceremony focused on celebrating and highlighting the students’ accomplishments. From Student Council President Persianea N. Wright giving her remarks to students receiving their Certificate of Completion, there was something worth celebrating for.
With both the home and visitors' bleachers filled with parents and family members, there was much anticipation to witness a special day in their child’s life.
The more than an hour commemoration started with Wright leading with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner. Afterwards, Wright opened with a speech where she congratulated her peers on their milestone and reflected on her time in middle school.
“Class of 2026, I’m here to congratulate you on a huge milestone in your life, and I wish you all the best,” Wright said. “Thank you for your time and patience, hasta la vista.”
Afterwards, three students - Emma Emerson, Willow Whiteside and Isabella Covarrubias - stepped on the stage where they each spoke about their experiences and lessons learned at Yolo.
Emerson, who spoke first, opened about how she, like many students, was nervous when making the transition from elementary to middle school. The most important lesson she learned was mistakes don’t define someone, instead it gives them a chance to grow. While many of her peers will be anxious entering hallways at Orestimba for the first time, they will be stronger, wiser and more prepared for high school, Emerson said.
“We learned as much from our failures as we [learned] our successes,” Emerson said. “We know we are capable of adapting [and] learning everything to move through.”
Following Emerson was Whiteside, who thanked her teachers, parents and her close friends for supporting her through these past two years.
Lastly, Covarrubias used her time on the podium to thank her English teacher, Cynthia Bautista, for instilling confidence in her to improve English speaking skills as a bilingual speaker. Covarrubias said she was nervous in writing and participating in her classes because of the possibility of making a mistake.
“Because of her encouragement, English became less scary and more enjoyable,” Covarubias said about Bautista.
After all three speakers left the stage, an award recognition was held to individual students. Following that, students were instructed to step on the stage and receive their certificate.
As the final 10 students waited for their moment, family members from both sides of the stadium bleachers began lining up on the pathway adjacent to the field.
“It is with great pride and joy, I now promote each of you to high school,” said Principal Anita Palacios. “Congratulations to the newly promoted class of 2030.”
