Welcome to the 'Real World': Visalia's Redwood High School Graduates Take Time to Reflect on Future.
Posted on: Wednesday, 7 June 2006, 09:00 CDT
By Susie Pakoua Vang, The Fresno Bee, Calif.
Jun. 7--VISALIA -- Oh, the places they will go.
More than 300 Redwood High School graduates received a "Ranger" send-off into the "real world" during their commencement ceremony.
The senior class's celebration Tuesday was the first among Visalia's four traditional high schools this week.
Principal James Bushman reminded graduates to appreciate their education and to soak in the graduation experience. Education is not an option in some places, he said.
"Do cherish this moment because we all could have been born into different circumstances, in other places, at a different time," Bushman said.
Don't be afraid to strive for the best, said Adrian Rodriguez, Associated Student Body president. The 17-year-old will head to the University of California at Santa Barbara.
"It's not foolish to think you can change the world," said Adrian, in a speech delivered to the graduates and hundreds of family and friends at the Mineral King Bowl. "It's only when you believe, that you can get anything done."
Graduates waved excitedly to their families and friends. Others blew kisses.
Victor Xiong propped himself as close as possible to the graduates, recording his daughter Mai Vang Xiong's moment. Victor Xiong fled from his homeland of Laos to the U.S. in 1990 after the Vietnam War and never got beyond an elementary education.
"Paper and a pencil are the keys to success in this country," Xiong said in Hmong.
"I'm glad my children have the opportunity to receive an education."
Tuesday's event was also a moment for graduates to reflect and focus on the future.
"It is pretty flabbergasting to see how much I've done," said Erik Hanson, who will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland this year. "I didn't realize that in such a short term you can do so much just because the opportunity is provided to you."
Hanson, 18, was involved in sports and Future Business Leaders of America. He was chosen from among 10,000 applicants to attend the academy. He will get military training and education funded by the government that's estimated at $250,000.
"I want to serve my country," Hanson said. "I'm pretty sure I'll miss home, but it's going to be a new journey."
The reporter can be reached at svang@fresnobee.com or (559) 622-2409.
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Copyright (c) 2006, The Fresno Bee, Calif.
Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.
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Source: The Fresno Bee
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