Paso Robles HS Grads: Bearcats Ready to ‘Stand for a Better Future

BY CAMILLE DEVAUL PHOTOS BY KRISTIN RAYNOR EVANS

PASO ROBLES BEARCATS

n an extremely warm evening, Paso Robles High School (PRHS) hosted its 126th graduation for the Class of 2022 on Friday, June 10, at the War Memorial Stadium. Family and friends filled the stadium to celebrate the class who started their High School career only seven months before the global pandemic.

And for the first time since 2019, due to covid-19 restrictions, the senior Bearcats walked and graduated together on the same night. This year 435 students graduated from PRHS, over 30 more than in 2021.

This year the senior class asked Geoffrey Land and Jenny Martinez, both PRHS social science teachers, to be the MCs for their graduation.

The PRHS Advance Choir Forte opened the ceremony singing the National Anthem, followed by Senior Class President Ashley Paulson leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

After introducing PRHS faculty members, Land and Martinez introduced the Superintendent Curt Dubost, Deputy Superintendent Jennifer Gaviola, Assistant Superintendent Brad Pawlowski, Assitant Superintendent Erin Haley, and the Board of Trustees: Chris Arend, Chris Bausch, Frank Triggs, Lance Gannon, Tim Gearhart, Dorian Baker, and Nathan Williams.

Associated Student Body President Malia Gaviola was the first student speaker of the night.

She asked her classmates to remember what they stood for during their high school years and commended her class for their efforts in activism. "Whenever the senior class saw a problem, we saw to fix it, and we introduced new traditions and ideas to our school community," Malia shared, "We set the tone for our underclassmen and sowed the seeds for what Paso Robles High School would be like in the future."

She later added, "We are the Bearcats who can stand for a better future."

Superintendent Dubost echoed Malia's sentiments and reflected on the country's current and diverse state. "Paso Robles High School Bearcats Class of 2022, please continue to be active, involved, and informed and to propose solutions that will both meet your needs and gain broad support," said Dubost, "Not just from your perspective. Most importantly, please register to vote and take part in the coming elections."

Ashley then returned to the podium, reflecting on the moments and trials that led her and her classmates to where they are today. She thanked her family, friends, chosen family, and finally, her classmates. "Thank you for making each day count for each other," she said to her classmates, "We have all had an impact on one another in some shape or form that has created us into who we are now."

Ashley then asked her classmates to strive to make every day count, quoting Kanye West, "We can't dwell on the past. All we've got is today. So I'm going to live like there is no tomorrow, no goodbye."

She added that she is not Kanye and today is goodbye.

Director of Student Services Commander Thomas Harrington presented the nine Bearcat graduates who are going into the US military: Alver Alverez — US Army Jalen Costa — US Army Michael Backstresser — US Navy Mia Lojacono-Smith — US Navy Sojo Luis Lopez — US Navy Angel Barigone — Marines Urille Granatos — Marines Alan Martinez — Marines Obed Marsetta — Marines

The Top Bearcats for the class of 2022 were introduced by Land, which included 97 students all achieving a 4.0 GPA or higher.

PRHS class of 2022 Salutatorian Rayvin Wulfing made her way to the stage and started by thanking everyone for supporting her through the last four years and beyond. Rayvin ended her senior year with a 4.79 GPA.

Rayvin urged her classmates to find and spread light in the coming years rather than succumb to the temptations of fear.

Following Rayvin was Valedictorian Tyler Woodard.

Tyler, who earned a 4.83 GPA, shared, "To those of you graduates who have a pretty good idea of what you'd like to do in your life, congratulations. And those who don't, I am glad I'm in good company."

He then sent his classmates onto the next stage in life with hopes for them each to find their true selves and find happiness.

Principal Overton and Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Board President Chris Arend congratulated the class of 2022 before handing students their diplomas one by one.

After reciting the Alma Mater together one last time, the PRHS Class of 2022 turned their tassels to the left and, as a tradition, tossed their caps into the air. Bringing an end to one chapter of their lives and the beginning of another.

Congratulations, Paso Robles High School Bearcats Class of 2022!