May 30, 2023
By Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
WALNUT, CA-- It’s time to say goodbye to the nearly 1,200 graduating seniors from the Walnut Valley USD.
Walnut High School presented its 53rd commencement ceremony with traditional pomp and circumstance on May 25 at the Ken Gunn Stadium.
Following years of hard work, the 525 seniors were excited to don the powder blue caps and gowns marking their final chapter in high school.
A trio of commencement speakers took the stage during the celebration of academic achievement.
Valedictorian Shani Su reflected that the global pandemic “wreaked havoc” on their high school experience.
“We were hit by the 9th grade shut down, 10th grade distance learning, 11th grade mask restrictions, and 12th grade semi-return to normality,” she commented.
“It’s been a long and winding road with unexpected twists and potholes along the way. But, hey we made it – congrats!”
“I am proud to say that I will remember you all and cherish these memories that I have made here at Walnut High School,” shared senior speaker Skylar Baisden.
“I’d like to tell you all to go boldly, to remember that the real world is like the night sky – the possibilities are absolutely limitless,” added valedictorian Margaret Lee.
“To my fellow Class of 2023 graduates, embrace your potential, be kind, love fiercely, express your gratitude, (special shout out to my Mom), have pride in yourself, and shine brightly!”
Principal Dr. Ryan Maine took the reins as the school’s leader during the graduating class’s freshman year.
“As we say goodbye, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for an extraordinary four-year journey here at Walnut High School!” Maine said before seniors received their diplomas.
“Your sense of humor, unwavering resiliency, and impact you’ve made an exceptional group who will forever hold a special place in my heart. To the remarkable Class of 2023, thank you for everything!”
Congratulations to the following Walnut High School Valedictorians graduating with highest honors: Dylan Choi, Sophia Ferrel, Danielle Jing, Margaret Lee, Kai Cheng “Sunny” Liu, Nathan Shyy, Shani Su, Sophia Teng, Chelsea Yeh, Kaitlyn Zang, Amber Zhao, and Jadon Zhu.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Candidates: Shaleem Arshed, Katherine Hung, Erxuan (Linda) Jia, Erye (Miranda) Jia, Danielle Jing, Julia Rae Masangkay, Angelina Rodriguez, Ru (Lisa) Wang, Vincent Wang, Caitlan Wong, Amber Zhao.
IB Career-related Program Candidates: Samuel Au, Nayra Elhawary, Zayd Karim, Sarah Kumagai, Kristin Lam, Daniel Lin, Kodiak Poon, Audrey Qi, Anmol Sandhu, Ria Caitlyn Santos, Amanda Terrazas, Linyuting (Rain) Xing, Jaren Yip, Tingshan (Daniel) Zhao, Jadon Zhu.
At Diamond Bar High School, 649 Brahmas participated in the 40th commencement ceremony held at the Walt Holmes Stadium.
Congratulations to Valedictorians: Tara Canales, Aaron Chang, Nathan Chu, Amber Cui, Marcus Fang, Jeffrey Gong, Marcus Hsieh, Andrew Huang, Joanna Jin, Jocelyn Kuo, Kayla Lau, Arden Lee, Rachel Lee, William Li, Elson Liu, Leann Mu, Nicholas Novelo, Alan Ong, Michael Padilla, Jana Mari Ramos, Timothy Ro, Corina Alexandria Salvador, Conner Satawidinata, Ryan Heesuh Shin, Anqi Tang, Amber Ton, Angelina Wang, Catherine Wang, Allison Yuh.
IB Diploma Candidates: Zachary Asawesna, Hsiao-Ying Chang, Ryan Chung, Angela Feniza, Nichole Godfrey, Tamim Hatim, Hannah Jang, Samantha Jew, Joanna Jin, Noah Jung, Jason Kim, Dinh Lam, Carlie Law, Mason Miazga, Spencer Song, Zixin Wang, Tzuching Wu, Brian Young.
Shown:
Mustang Pride! Walnut High School celebrates the Class of 2023 during the May 25 commencement ceremony.