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OJUSD Wraps School Year With Celebrations
Moving Up, Moving On
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Oakdale High School graduating seniors were all smiles just moments after receiving their diplomas on Friday night, May 24. The Class of 2019 sent off a diverse group of graduates who will now enter the workforce, trade schools, military service as well as numerous colleges.

The tassels have been turned, mortarboards have flown and the Oakdale Joint Unified School District Class of 2019 has been released into the world. It was a busy week for OJUSD Administrative staff, Board of Trustees, students, family and friends.

Graduations were aplenty as high school seniors of East Stanislaus, Valley Oak, Oakdale Charter junior/senior high, as well as Oakdale High School each hosted ceremonies. Oakdale Junior High School students also participated in ceremonies, as they now transition to the next chapter in their academic career.

“There are so many types of people in this group and I don’t think one person is qualified to address them all,” Oakdale High School Valedictorian Ethan Brown stated during his speech to the Class of 2019.

“The class has truly cemented their place in Oakdale High School history, whether it be on the field with their teammates,” he continued, “in a classroom, on stage or helping out the community, the Class of 2019 has exceeded and learned every experience they have come upon.”

OJUSD Superintendent Marc Malone, as well as Assistant Superintendents Kristi Rapinchuk and Larry Mendonca each shared thoughts of belief and inspiration in the Class of 2019 and their true grasp of the district’s mission for College and Career readiness.

“As I look at the list of schools that our graduates are attending post-graduation, it is safe to say they have embraced the challenge of having a diploma and plan,” Superintendent Malone said. “The list includes an impressive array of four year colleges, community colleges, technical schools and military commitments.”

The administrators were each in agreement on the diversity of opportunity the Class of 2019 has embraced, demonstrating the prime example of ‘GRIT’ which has been emphasized throughout much of their educational career.

“Success in life takes hard work,” Rapinchuk said. “I expect the Class of 2019 to exhibit grit and become productive members of our society.”

Rapinchuk went on to share she was most proud of the expression of gratitude shown by the class.

“So many times, youth can take the opportunities provided them for granted,” she stated. “The Class of 2019 is thankful to their friends, their families, their teachers, their coaches and their community.”

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Graduates and attendees at Friday night’s OHS graduation were treated to a unique and memorable rendition of the Star Spangled Banner as fellow classmates performed the song acapella.