Wahluke graduates celebrate milestone

MATTAWA — Class of 2024 graduates of Wahluke High School said it was an important day, both for them and their families.

Isai Ibaraol Carranza said it was a great feeling.

“Especially since our parents migrated over here just so we could have a better future,” he said. “And it’s one of the biggest milestones to success.”

Guadalupe Pulido admitted to being nervous, waiting to go up on stage in the WHS gym. 

“It was nerve-wracking. My heart was beating really fast,” she said. 

Graduation represented a milestone  

“My biggest accomplishment yet,” she said.

But not the last — she’s going to work in health care, she said, and wants to see what opportunities she has.

It’s a tradition at Wahluke graduation that seniors give out white roses to adults that they want to recognize for helping them through their lives, and it’s also traditional that it’s an emotional moment. Not only adults but graduating seniors were wiping away tears.

Albaro Gonzalez-Sandoval said getting through school was a way to show his parents he appreciated what they had done for him.

“We did it just for them,” he said.

Valedictorian Vanessa Tellez Zamora said it wasn’t always easy.

“Over the past four years, the Class of 2024 has encountered numerous struggles, and yet we have persevered to be where we are today,’ she said.

Class president Valerie Adame Hernandez detailed the challenges that came their way as eighth graders. The COVID-19 pandemic began in the spring of 2020.

“Our first in-person (high school) class was in February 2021. Most of us were nervous,” Adame said.

The class overcame the challenge, though.

“We were in eighth grade, and we didn’t even get to finish. Now we’re about to walk the stage,” Adame said. “We succeeded to this milestone through many highs and lows, difficulties and successes.”

Salutatorian Angela Santiago Ramirez said their experiences have changed them.

“As we stand here today, we are not the same people who walked through those doors,” Santiago Ramirez said. “(School) has been a journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. And it’s only the beginning.”

Tellez Zamora said they had learned.

“We have grown, not just academically but also personally, and I've created bonds that will last a lifetime,” she said. “I have no doubt this class will accomplish amazing things in the journey ahead.” 

The Class of 2024 chose retiring staff member Matt Watrous as the honor speaker. Among other things, Watrous was the announcer at WHS sporting events for most of his 18-year career at the school. Since he’d been at Wahluke 18 years Watrous donned a cap and gown when making his speech. Principal Cody Marlowe said Watrous had done a lot for Wahluke and its students, and to show the school’s appreciation Watrous received a Wahluke 2024 jacket. 

Watrous urged the seniors to try new things, to face challenges as they come.

“One of the things I’ve learned is to embrace the good in everyone and everything,” he said, and the seniors should try it too.

Watrous expressed gratitude to the district and the students, and said the Class of 2024 had embraced him when he announced his retirement last fall.  He said the seniors — and all Wahluke students — should keep something in mind. The saying and the tradition behind it are important at Wahluke, and Watrous got a little choked up as he repeated it.

“Once a Warrior, always a Warrior,” he said.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.

    Wahluke High School class of 2024 guest of honor Matt Watrous received a token of appreciation for his 18 years of service at the school during WHS graduation ceremonies.
  

    A brand-new Wahluke graduate exchanges a high-five with a classmate.
  

    Wahluke seniors move the tassel and celebrate at the end of graduation.
  

    Wahluke graduates and their families had a parade through town – now a tradition – after the ceremonies concluded.
  

    Wahluke School Board chair Luke Jenne presents a diploma to a Wahluke graduate.
  

    A Wahluke senior shows off his new diploma.
  

    A Wahluke graduate takes a peek inside that diploma cover.