June 3, 2024
By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Community Resources
WALNUT, CA--A purple and gold parade of 629 Diamond Bar High School seniors proudly celebrated their academic achievement during the May 30 graduation ceremony.
Class of 2024 President Justin Kung reminded fellow graduates that they had been “in the trenches” as freshman during COVID before they turned tassels at the fireworks finale.
“We were the first class in human history to have started high school locked inside one-inch Zoom boxes,” he said.
“But, Class of 2024, we came, we saw, and together we conquered!”
The send-off was presented with traditional pomp and circumstance at the 41st commencement held at the Holmes Memorial Stadium.
Senior speakers acknowledged the talent, dedication, and passion that defined their class’s journey.
“The Class of 2024 has left a lasting mark on Diamond Bar High School history,” said valedictorian Joy Ahn.
“Today, we don’t just celebrate individual achievements, we celebrate the bonds that united us as a class, as friends, and as a community,” shared valedictorian Elyse Wong.
“Diamond Bar was wonderful and I will forever cherish the purple and gold memories we made here,” she added.
Valedictorians and IB Diploma Candidates were presented with gold medallions during the ceremony.
Student Body President Clair Kim told graduates they had “broken the boundaries of what it means to be a Brahma.”
“While we bid farewell to this chapter of our lives, I want to congratulate and remind you all that no matter where you go in life, that you are in charge of turning your visions into a reality,” she said.
Principal David Hong paid tribute to the Class of 2024 as scholars, artists, athletes, creators, innovators, thinkers, risk takers, and leaders.
“We recognize your accomplishments and applaud your resilience and integrity. You brought your time and talents to Diamond Bar High School and you have left behind a legacy.”
Hong challenged the teens to use their voice to reveal their greatness to the world.
“Speak up and share your innovative ideas and solutions, and fight for the underdog.”
The principal then welcomed senior Ethan Thomas, who has autism, on stage to reveal his greatness.
Most of Ethan’s classmates had not previously heard his voice and may have seen him on campus using stimming (vocalizations and hand movements) to manage his emotions.
“When I feel overwhelmed or stressed I won’t be able to focus and hear people when they’re speaking to me,” he explained.
“Stimming helps me calm down.”
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my school and those who believed in me, advocated for me, and finally those who decided to take a chance on me to stand in front of you and give this speech!”
Pomp and Circumstance was performed by the Thundering Herd band under the direction of Steve Acciani and Marie Santos and the National Anthem was presented by senior choir members under the direction of Rich Langham.
Congratulations to the following Diamond Bar High School Valedictorians graduating with highest honors: Joy Ahn. Jennifer Atta. Jianlan Busteed Chao, Nyansu Chen, Jennifer Cheng, Anika Del Castillo, Zora Dinh, Ryan Giang, Chenbo Gui, Joy Hata, Evelyn Hermawan, Ethan Hoang, Caroline Hsu, Angel Huang, Justin Kung, Sabrina Lin, Hyunjoo Oh, Joshua Padilla, Maia Pak, Emily Ren, Zachary Rosen, Vittorio Samaniego, Julia Shang, Ao Shen, Elina Tian, Chenfei Wang, Elyse Wong, Ute Wong, Jianing Xu, Corinna Yoh, Eva Yu, Kathy Yun, Melody Zhang, QingYi Zhang, Natalie Zhou.
IB Diploma Candidates: Lauren Cheng, Kyra Chung, Evelyn Hermawan, Dylan Hoan, Joanna Liu, Kavya Narayanan, Lois Park, Vittorio Samaniego, Adelyn Woo, Ruocheng Xu, Michelle Yeh, Amber Yu.
At Walnut High School, 534 Mustangs participated in the 54th commencement ceremony held at the Ken Gunn Stadium.
Congratulations to Valedictorians: Eliana Acenas, Keon Aquino, Kaylan Chang, Kaelin David, Tsz Chung He, Darren Lee, Baharullah Mahin, Yuze Qin, Dylan Sham, Phillip Tang, Nadia Tsai, Michael Van, Kaden Wang, Yiming Wang, Wei Wu, Kelly Zhu.
IB Diploma Candidates: Prerna Bharath, Kaleab Daniel, Matthew Kang, Madelyn Lara, Collin Lau, Audrey Lee, Annabelle Lu, Adora Ma, Baharullah Mahin, Elsa Qin, Isaac Tran, Nadia Tsai, Angel Wang, Kunhong Quinton Wu, Nathan Yang, Aiden Yue.
IB Career-related Program Candidates: Ibrahim Aliuddin, Marcelino Chan, Calvin Chen, John Chen, Philip Chen, Sandra Chu, Joshua Dermawan, Janki Kothari, Caleb Ku, Aria Kusserow, Nicholas Lee, Steve Li, Joann Li, Amelia Martinez, Petar Milenkov,, Andrew Qi, Jas Singh, Ken Sun, Phillip Tang, Dayarara Urrutia, Michael Van, Seth Jasper Vitug, Kaden Wang.
Shown:
Hats Off to Class of 2024! Diamond Bar High School graduates celebrate on May 30.
Congrats, Class of 2024! Diamond Bar High School celebrates 629 graduating seniors during the May 30 commencement ceremony.
Sixteen Diamond Bar High valedictorians were presented with gold medallions during the May 30 graduation ceremony.
Diamond Bar High School IB Diploma Candidates were honored with gold medallions during the May 30 graduation ceremony.
Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor congratulates Diamond Bar High School graduates.
Class of 2024 President Justin Kung congratulates for their ambition, perseverance, and sheer will.
Senior Ethan Thomas, who has autism, shares how Diamond Bar High supported his high school journey.