Photos by Ryan Cronk
King City High School seniors receive their diplomas at the June 1 commencement ceremony at War Memorial Stadium. Below, Class of 2018 graduates celebrate with their family and friends on the field.
KING CITY — Loud cheers erupted Friday morning as King City High School Mustangs Class of 2018 took the field at War Memorial Stadium for the final time at its commencement ceremony, during which approximately 203 seniors tossed their caps in the air in celebration of their graduation.
Family, friends, teachers and classmates watched and cheered from the stands as the seniors celebrated their final day of high school. Speeches were given by seniors Trinidad Morales, class president; Carson Caulk, salutatorian; and Christian Rose, valedictorian.
“I would like to address and thank all the parents, family members, friends, teachers and administrators that have helped us through life to this point, especially my own family. All of you have been a huge part of my life, inspiring me and encouraging me to do my best and to keep trying no matter what,” Rose said. “All of the people in our lives have been as big of a part of our success and graduation as we have. Nothing in life is possible without support from others.”
Rose told his fellow students to continue traveling the path to success they are currently on.
“Education is one of the most important tools in life,” he said. “With an education, someone can apply everything they have learned to better themselves and the world.”
The Class of 2018’s motto states, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us,” a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The June 1 program also featured senior Ana Mendez, who sang the National Anthem, and the Fort Hunter Liggett Color Guard, which presented the flags. The commencement welcome address was given by King City High School Principal Janet Sanchez-Matos.
“Change is part of life, and for you, Class of 2018, your life is about to change forever,” Sanchez-Matos said. “You have reached one of those defining moments in your life that your parents will remember forever — your high school graduation. What makes a difference in life is how you approach it. Your attitude toward life will have a huge impact on how you will live your life and how your life will be.”
Sanchez-Matos told the graduates that in life they cannot control others’ actions or reactions, but they can control their own in whatever situation they find themselves in.
“Some of you have decided to go off to college. Some of you have chosen to enter the military, while others will be entering the workforce. Whatever choice you have made as to which path you will follow, remember that life is made of a series of choices — choices that from now on you will be making,” she said. “Your parents have made your foundation through their values and morals they have instilled in you, and your education has given you the tools you will need to make wise choices.”
