GALT, CA (MPG) - Liberty Ranch High School’s Class of 2024 made the leap into the rest of their lives at their commencement ceremony on June 3, while acknowledging those who helped them succeed.

Associated Student Body (ASB) officers Ethan Woods, Cole Brodehl, Payton Best, Savanah Westlynn and Gianna Graham welcomed their classmates, teachers and family.

“Every single one of us should be proud of what we have done for Liberty Ranch,” Woods said. “Since we had to start our freshman year on Zoom, we had to set the standard of what high school is supposed to look like for both ourselves and the underclassmen. We had to reestablish a culture that was lost during the pandemic and I’d say we’ve done a pretty dang good job doing that.”

Woods encouraged his classmates to “not look for the easy way out” of problems but trust that “good things come through hard work, determination and a never-quit attitude.”

Best thanked teachers “for building the foundation for us to be successful in life.” She highlighted special education teacher Malissa Stotts and English teacher Janine Raybe, who are retiring this year.

The Liberty Ranch varsity football team came onstage to lead a rendition of the school’s fight song, which Raybe penned when the school was established.

Westlynn of ASB was named as the recipient of the Citizenship Award for exemplifying “the highest ideals of service, integrity and leadership.”

Presenting the award, Assistant Principal Cherise Sims said Westlynn “has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making our school a better place for everyone,” through volunteering in the community, advocating for her peers and fostering an inclusive environment.

Teachers called Westlynn a “go-getter” who finishes assignments early and helps classmates, as well as “one of the greatest silent, behind-the-scenes leaders we have on the campus.”

The ceremony featured student musical performances. Kassandra Valencia sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and Isaac Arguello, Israel Lopez and Andres Ortiz played “El Pávido Návido” and “El Sinaloense.”

Social science teacher Kellie Gorelick introduced the valedictorian, Sophia Felix, who is the third of her siblings to be named top of the class at Liberty Ranch (after Zachary in 2020 and Isabella in 2022).

Gorelick commended Felix for the valedictorian’s academic and athletic accomplishments, noting that Felix completed more than nine Advanced Placement classes and three honors classes, as well as being named female athlete of the year. Felix’s most admirable quality, Gorelick said, is her respect for those around her.

Felix then took the podium, where she thanked her parents for instilling “my siblings and I with strong values that contributed greatly to our academic success.”

“I’d also like to thank my siblings, Zach and Bella, who are also valedictorians, for basically pulling me to be valedictorian, because they said they’d make fun of me if I wasn’t,” Felix added with a laugh.

The valedictorian encouraged the soon-to-be graduates to spend time with their families before heading off to higher education. Felix urged her classmates not to focus too much on others’ progress.

“Remember that comparison is the thief of joy,” Felix said. “Comparing yourself to others and what they’ve done only minimizes your ability to celebrate your own accomplishments.”

Felix concluded with the hope that she and her classmates would go on to even better times than they experienced in high school.

Senior class adviser Anngela Schroeder told the students that she was reluctant to rush her final time seeing them all together.

“I want to take this moment and freeze it,” Schroeder said. She shared some final words of wisdom, calling on the seniors to be patient, choose joy, live in the present and make a difference.

“You are a chosen generation, one that has glory trailing from your feet and endless promise in your eyes,” Schroeder said. “Know that we have faith in you and your decisions. We look forward to celebrating your future triumphs because we are your family. We are Liberty Ranch.”