Quincy seniors celebrate graduation

QUINCY - The Quincy High School class of 2013 celebrated the culmination of countless hours of hard work Friday night at Jaycee Stadium.

On a clear evening several friends and family packed the bleachers to celebrate with the graduates before a very emotional event began.

After the 159 graduates made their way onto the field the first class address was given by the valedictorian, Libby McNay.

McNay thanked her parents for helping her achieve her goals, but was nervous about leaving them for George Fox University in Newberg, Ore.

"I'm very thankful that graduation day isn't move out of the house day," McNay said

The class salutatorian, Gabe Martinenz gave a very spirited address that ended with his advice for the class of 2013, "Y.O.L.O." You only live once.

The audience was treated to some entertainment during the ceremony. Graduates Dalia Casillas and Oscar Huezo performed "It's My Life" By Bon Jovi as well as "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts.

Casillas sang while Huezo played the piano.

Senior class president Mirsel Serrano gave her fellow classmates some words of wisdom during her address.

"I wouldn't trade my high school experience for anything else," Serrano said. "Everything that has happened and everything we've been through has made us into the graduates we are today."

Top scholar Angelica Ruiz gave a heartfelt addressed and thanked her mother for always supporting her no matter the circumstance.

"Te amo mami (I love you Mom)," Ruiz said as she tried to hold back tears.

The final address was given by Ruben Reyes. Reyes was the winner of the Gates Millennium Scholarship and will be attending the University of Washington in Seattle.

According to Senior Counselor Rod Luce, the Quincy High School class of 2013 as well as QHS alumni received more than $690,000 in educational awards, which is a record for the school.

After the ceremony concluded, those in attendance rushed onto the field to snap pictures and congratulate the new graduates.