During the evening of Wednesday, May 25 East Stanislaus High School, Valley Oak Junior/Senior High School and Oakdale Charter School had their eighth grade and senior class of 2022 graduation.

Oakdale Charter had four graduating from eighth grade into high school, and nine graduating seniors.

The evening began with the principal of alternative education Pat King welcoming all parents, staff, faculty, and OJUSD board members for coming together to celebrate the class of 2022.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by senior Calvin Hunter followed by the commencement address by OJUSD superintendent Dave Kline.

Tim Parola, the main teacher in charge of Oakdale Charter, presented the awards that were given to a handful of students for their achievements throughout the year. Parola took the time to say a few words about each student who was presented an award, highlighting their personal and academic growth.

Seniors Hope Elizondo, Lynn Layton, and Grace Pelot were awarded the California Department of Education Presidential Silver award, and seniors Isheah Sumairi, Leilani Cortez, and Calvin Hunter were awarded the California Department of Education Presidential Gold award.

Parola presented Hope Elizondo with the OJUSD school board scholarship along with the Jay and Diane Gilbert Honorary scholarship to Lynn Layton, Calvin Hunter, and Isheah Sumairi.

East Stan and Valley Oak had a total of 47 senior graduates in their combined ceremony.

King also opened the ceremony with the welcome speech addressing all parents, visitors, staff, faculty, and OJUSD board members.

David Fincher led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by King introducing the District Superintendent Kline, Assistant Superintendent Craig Redman, Director of Federal Funds Armida Colon, and OJUSD Board Members Mike House, Tina Shatswell, and Terri Taylor.

Along with the Presidential Silver and Gold awards, a special award for the Lance Campbell Memorial Award was given to Hector Verduzco with statements from teachers and staff read about the student and why he was deserving of the award. The award was dedicated to former East Stan teacher Lance Campbell, who passed away from ALS. The award is given to a student that shares the same qualities and traits that Campbell did such as true grit, kind heartedness, and selflessness.

“Families, without you and your support, we wouldn’t be here,” King stated as he had the students stand up, face their families and thank them.

After students accepted their diplomas and moved their tassel from the right to the left, they were officially graduates, some celebrating by throwing their caps in the air.