Peggy Jones
Saturday, June 4, was a special day in Lovelock. Forty-six students graduated from Pershing County High School in a ceremony held in the gymnasium. Hannah Gonzalez was the valedictorian. Tavis Hunt was the salutatorian.
The Pershing County High School Class of 2023 stands together onstage.
The Class of 2023 chose Eva Matuszyk as their guest speaker. She was their English teacher their freshmen and sophomore years.
Matuszyk describes the Class of 2023 as fun, creative and competitive. As freshmen, many were timid in their writing and work ethic, but grew more confident over the four years. Matuszyk credits her fellow teachers for much of their growth.
"Jazmin Martinez helped students like Russell Montieth find resources and work he can be proud of doing. Mike Brooks helped kids like Noel Zaldivar gain confidence and purpose in education. Melissa Jones helped countless kids like Alizea Barajas build life skills that will stick with them for years to come," she said.
Marya Burke holds up her diploma.
"Other teachers like Buzz and Kelly Brooks and Ben Halverson challenged students like Wyatt Diaz and Jack Knight to get them thinking deeper about problems that matter. Shelly Nee created a problem solver out of Tristian Gallagher."
"There were also countless students like Hannah Gonzalez, Mark Matiukin and Andrea Canchola who advocated for their education and went the extra mile to earn college credit, graduate early and earn CNA this year."
Matuszyk thought about her student's accomplishments as she wrote her speech for the ceremony. She also thought about their futures. She predicts many success stories as they continue their educations.
"So, Class of 2023, you can do anything you want to do," she told them. "If you want something bad enough, go out and fight for it. Work day and night for it. Give up your time and peace and sleep for it. If life seems empty and useless, then scheme for it and sweat for it."
"Whatever that thing is that you dream of and want to accomplish that will make you feel fulfilled, go after it with all of your heart, your capacity, your strength, your faith, your passion. Because you can."
"Get it done and make your family, your community and above all else, yourself proud."