Class of 2019 graduates with thankfulness, passion and courage

As Washington High School graduate Meghan Newman walked across the stage with the Class of 2019 on Sunday, May 26, she recalled all the firsts they experienced together.

From gathering for their first day of kindergarten in 2006, to way-too-loud lunches in third grade, to being the first sixth grade class to attend Washington Middle School and even evacuating classrooms over the years because of gas leaks and burned popcorn, Newman celebrated everything the Class of 2019 experienced together.

'Today, that journey comes to a close,” Newman said. 'We get to celebrate all the work we've done to be in this gym now. We get to cherish all the memories we've made. We get to say, ‘thank you,' to the parents who sat through insufferable third-grade soccer games and fifth-grade band concerts.”

Washington High School's Class of 2019 graduated on Sunday in front of a gymnasium packed with family, friends and teachers. Newman, Jason Huertero and Carly Burlingame were invited to address their classmates.

Jason Huertero congratulated his peers for all their hard work paying off. He thanked his teachers and parents for the opportunities and memories of the past four years.

Huertero said his teachers, not only in high school, but at St. James, Stewart, Lincoln and Washington Middle School, unselfishly shared their time, talent and knowledge with the Class of 2019.

'Every single one of you always made time for us, and what you did for us will always be appreciated,” Huertero said.

Huertero thanked his parents, Lucio and Adriana, first in Spanish and then in English.

'Ma, Pa, today I want to tell you that you are everything for me, and that today I am here speaking in front of everyone, it is because you have sacrificed a lot for us,” Huertero said. 'I want to tell you that this first achievement in my life is just the beginning of my goal … You are my best friends, and I love you.”

To his peers, Huertero said that they should all be there for each other as they enter this next phase of their lives.

Huertero said that while he may not have been the closest to all of his classmates, there may come a time when they need to help each other out, and he is always someone they can turn to.

Carly Burlingame expressed similar sentiment.

'I want to thank all of my classmates,” Burlingame said. 'To my friends from long ago to friends I've recently become reacquainted with, we did this together. We may be going our separate ways, but no matter what, just remember, you can do it.”

William Stone, superintendent, asked the Class of 2019 to leave with thankfulness, remember to be passionate, and to be courageous.

Stone said that the Class of 2019 should be thankful for their time together and the opportunities to come in the future.

'Leave with thankfulness for the people who got you here. Whether you know it or not, there are a lot of people pushing you to be better,” Stone said.

Stone encouraged the Class of 2019 to be passionate about whatever they choose to do, whether it's finding a career after high school or continuing their education. Stone said that when people are passionate about their work, they grow to love it.

Finally, Stone said be courageous.

'Make sure you take a challenge, step up to the place, and if you strike out, you'll get another chance,” Stone said. 'Be courageous and be the person you want to be.”