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Fresh from the farm!
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Juneteenth feted at park
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Interim coach is named
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JULY 2024
VOL. 09 NO. 05
Graduates enjoy a night to remember By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent Temperatures checked in at 90 degrees. Union High School graduates marched in their caps and gowns, water bottles in hand. Hundreds of parents and loved ones tried to beat the heat, many holding umbrellas over their heads. Some kicked their shoes off. The 142nd Commencement, Union High School, Class of 2024 ceremony began on a somber note. It was announced that student Carlton Amanor, 17, had lost his battle with leukemia on Nov. 28. A cap and gown were placed on what would have been his seat, and there was a moment of silence. Class of 20204 salutatorian Abigail Naranjo said, “My journey started with my parents. They arrived from Costa Rica. My parents did not have the opportunity to make the most of their lives like I did. I never heard any complaints, only gratitude. I thank my parents for never giving up. They handcrafted my wings.” Valedictorian Sneha Mexon said, “Today is the big day, an important milestone in our lives. As I stand here today, I thank my family for making this possible. To all my teachers. I’m so thankful for all the friends I’ve made who helped me grow as a person.” Board of Education President Chastity Santana quoted Marianne Williamson, from her book, “A Return to Love”: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Continuing, she said, “Class of 2024, set forth in the world and know that you are capable of more than your wildest dreams.” See A NIGHT, Page 11
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Above left, the keynote speaker, Dr. Jessica Bedele, walks onto the field to take part in the graduation ceremony of Union High School’s Class of 2024. She herself graduated from UHS in 2014. Above right, parents and loved ones cheer for the Class of 2024 at Union High School’s 142nd Commencement on Tuesday, June 18. Below, Union High School’s Class of 2024 walks out onto the football field for graduation on Tuesday, June 18.