Class of 2020: Kerman High School
Kerman High School 2020 Graduation Speeches
Speaker: Robert Frausto
Kerman Unified Staff, Family, Friends and most importantly the Kerman High School Class of 2020, it is my distinct honor to congratulate you all!
To say that these times of distress induced by the emerging pandemic culture have challenged us and affected us would be an understatement. Many Amercians have stepped up to the plate during these tough times especially essential workers who have risked their safety to care and provide for their fellow Americans.
I apologize to each one of you that this pandemic has hindered you from participating in the typical senior experience. Nonetheless, I am very proud of every one of you and how much you have matured, how much you have excelled academically and personally, and how strong you have become against the obstacles that have arisen. I applaud your resiliency. This educational journey that began with your timid steps as a kindergartener is not coming to an end but is merely progressing on to a new chapter. In this new chapter, many of you will pursue higher education, enter the military, or move directly into the workforce. No matter where you end up, remember you will always be a Kerman Lion and bleed Kerman red.
As Kerman Unified School District staff and stakeholders, it gives us the distinct honor to have known that we have been a part of your endeavor to attain your academic and personal dreams, goals, and ambitions. However, we also congratulate your parents, who have been an integral part of your academic journey: picking you up when you fell down over a bad grade, encouraging you to be strong when you felt weak, and motivating you on the days you needed it the most. Our skilled and motivational teachers have given you the skills needed to embrace and overcome any challenges and obstacles, rather than pushing them away. Your coaches and advisors have assisted you in developing sportsmanship, competitiveness, empathy, and gratitude.
Of course, many of you had countless individuals influencing and assisting you on your 13-year journey. You have created new friendships, relationships, and mentorships. You have all learned and grown from these diverse relationships. Carry and nurture these friendships and memories into the new chapters of your life and treasure them.
On this day, you have reached a momentous milestone in your life and are about to embark on a journey that will include many more congratulations and graduations. As the quote goes, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” For the first time in your lives, many of you will be the pilot of your own destination. For the first time, you will not have others making all the decisions for you, and you’ll have the freedom to choose what you want to accomplish in your life. As appealing as this may sound to many of you, it definitely comes with challenges and obstacles.
Know that when these challenges and obstacles arise, you have already been equipped with the skills and mindset needed to overcome them. Remember the skills and lessons that you have learned at Kerman High School and utilize them throughout your careers and lives. Remember, there is nothing you cannot do and always remember, a Kerman Lion does the right thing even when no one is looking.
To the graduating class of 2020, I wish you the best of luck. I know that these current circumstances are not ideal, but they will only make you stronger. I am confident that each one of you will amass an abundance of success in life. Congratulations and good luck with the next chapter of your lives. Always remember, once a Lion always a Lion.
If god willing, I will see you, your family and friends at the Savemart Center on July 29!!!
Principal’s note
Congratulations class of 2020, you made it! There has been nothing common about this year, you will go down in history as the #quarantine class. You have been a part of an entire new language; social distancing, quarantine, COVID-19, toilet paper hoarding and home haircuts. As hard as this has been on everyone, you have continued to be an amazing group of students and can begin your futures knowing that your community, families, friends and school are very proud of you and have rallied around to make the best out of a tough situation.
In my first year as the principal of Kerman High School, I had the opportunity to see your character, class, pride and strength show through. This was definitely not the year any of us expected but I am still walking away with great memories, new connections and deep emotions for your class. You have been amazingly accepting, strong and encouraging to me, I will always remember the class of 2020 and appreciate you.
As you move forward into your next endeavors, know that there will be so many more big moments in your life, life is full of achievements and celebrations. Life is what you put into it and how much you strive and push beyond your comfort zone to explore the world around you. Never settle for anything, continually live your best life and be your best self. Everyone of you has greatness in you waiting for you to call on it. I’ve seen that the class of 2020 can get knocked down but you were not able to be held down. You overcome, you adapt, you reroute and move forward even stronger than before. This is what makes us all so proud of you and excited for your bright and amazing futures.
I want to read a short passage from Julie Hebert. When I have not been sure of myself, I have turned to this to build my confidence and overcome my critics. It’s called “Why Not You”.
Growing up we are told many things,
One being, you can do anything.
But somewhere between child and adult,
Things change and we no longer sing.
Life takes on a whole different meaning,
From what we may have first believed.
We all get so caught up in what life expects,
And forget what we all could achieve.
Whoever told you, you weren’t allow,
To follow all of your dreams?
Was it someone who took away your dream,
Or was it you who was afraid of your schemes.
Whatever the reason, I now must ask,
Why not you, don’t you think
It’s time for you to take control of your life,
So you’ll be happy to look back with no regret
Class of 2020, why not you? What are the reasons for you not to be who you want to be and do the things you want to do? You are moving into the world, going to college, getting jobs, serving our country, you are ready to change this world. I look around and see our future, it makes me confident and happy to trust in you. You will face obstacles bigger than Covid-19 and you will have victories bigger than graduation. Embrace them both equally because they will both shape you and help you achieve greater things. You are all ready for what is ahead, believe in yourself, surround yourself with positive people who will keep you accountable and do your best work everyday!
“You’re off to great places, today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” - Dr. Seuss
Congratulations class of 2020, you’re amazing!
This story was originally published June 17, 2020 at 12:00 AM.