Class of 2020: San Joaquin Memorial High School

San Joaquin Memorial High 2020 graduation speech

Head of school’s note

Congratulations to the San Joaquin Memorial Class of 2020. We are so proud of what you have accomplished during your career at Memorial. While your senior year did not end as we all would have hoped, this time will not define your class.

Each student in the Class of 2020 has been blessed with unique God-given gifts. Over their high school careers, they, along with our faculty, coaches and staff have worked to develop each of their special gifts to the fullest. This fact is reflected in the impressive accomplishments of this class.

The Class of 2020 boasts 100% college acceptance. They have earned more than 12 million in college scholarships to date. The Class of 2020 includes 9 AP Scholars, 4 AP Scholars with Honor and 8 AP Scholars with Distinction. This Class also includes 3 Eagle Scouts, 13 future college athletes and 55 Presidential Education Award winners.

Members of the Class of 2020 are heading to an impressive list of top tier colleges and universities including Notre Dame, Harvard, Stanford, Boston College, Fresno State Smittcamp Honors College and of course our instate universities like USC and UCLA and many other outstanding educational institutions within our state and around the nation.

The Class of 2020 has shined brightly on the athletic field. During their four years at Memorial, they have won 15 League championships and 15 Valley championships.

Perhaps their greatest achievement is the fact that this group has demonstrated their faith by reaching out into the community to help others. During their four years in high school, the Class of 2020 has volunteered more than 15,000 hours to local charities, organizations and care facilities.

The Class of 2020 leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, commitment and service to others. We are very proud of these young men and women and trust they will remember their years at SJM as an inspiration to seek God always and do good for all those they meet in the course of their lives. Godspeed Class of 2020. Go Panthers.

Yours in Christ,

Michael C Burke

This story was originally published June 17, 2020 at 12:00 AM.