Grads listen to speeches from their salutatorian.
Julia Maestrejuan
The class of 2023 is certainly a class with grit according to teachers, students and administration and they celebrated the conclusion of their high school career at their graduation ceremony on June 7.
“The Lowry High School Class of 2023 has been a very dedicated and resilient class having navigated through all of the difficulties associated with the Covid-19 Pandemic. I am very impressed by how well they transitioned from “normal” high school to “virtual” high school and now back to “normal” high school-whatever that is,” said Lowry High School Principal Ray Parks in an email.
Lowry High School Valedictorian Ruben Garcia was escorted by his parents during graduation.
With a rather unique high school experience under their belts, the grads will go on to accomplish great things, carrying the valuable memories they created with them forever, and despite the “rough times”, according to this year’s Valedictorian Ruben Garcia.
Salutatorian Jada Matheny agreed that the past four years have certainly been an invaluable and one-of-a-kind experience.
Even despite their high school experience being at the mercy of the pandemic, this class has kept their heads up and found a way to take a new perspective on some of the more traditional activities that Lowry has, according to Senior Class Advisor Virginia Parker.
“We paraded decorated shopping carts around the track rather than having a homecoming parade around town. Now, this is the first “normal” year (beginning to end) they have had in their whole high school experience,” explained Parker in an email.
Humboldt County School District Superintendent Dr. Dave Jensen said in an email that “As the class of 2023 walked across the stage, I couldn’t help but reflect on the challenges that each have had to face and overcome, as well as their tremendous successes… I’d like to extend my sincerest congratulations to each graduate and I look forward to tracking the success of each over the coming years. Congratulations class of 23!”
This year’s recipients of the Andrea Evert and Raymind Hooft athletic scholarships were Sydnee Pettis and Jordan Bills, along with numerous other graduates who received scholarships towards the future.
Lowry High School Salutatorian Jada Matheny gave her speech to her fellow graduates.
“This class has also earned an incredible amount of scholarship funding with many graduates going onto various forms of higher education. I am very proud of the Albert M. Lowry High School Class of 2023 and I look forward to all of their future successes,” said Parks.
This year’s class song was “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts and this year’s class flower was the sunflower, traditionally a sign of happiness, good luck and hope.
“The class of 2023 persevered through some rough times to walk across that stage. The interactions I have had with them have been pleasant and respectful. Parents and families should be so proud of each of their graduates. I will miss seeing them around campus, but look forward to seeing what all they accomplish,” said Parker.