Victor Valley High School graduates 424 jackrabbits during 107th commencement

Victor Valley High School’s 107th commencement ceremony included 424 seniors continuing the jackrabbit tradition of graduating while proudly wearing green and white. 

After ASB Vice President Hazel Dominguez led students in turning tassels,fireworks lit up the skies over Ray Moore Stadium in Victorville as the seniors clutched their diplomas, hugged classmates, and searched for loved ones in the crowd. 

Tuesday’s graduation ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors by the high school's Air Force JROTC Unit CA-945. Also, Nazanin Brown led the pledge of allegiance, and Brynne Elmore sang the National Anthem, 

Principal Chris Cusino welcomed the excited crowd, who waved signs, brought confetti poppers, and yelled out graduate’s names. 

“Four years ago, all of us, including myself, walked through the halls of Victor Valley High School for the first time,” Cusino said. “I am so honored I could be part of your amazing journey.” 

Cusino said the class of 2023 will always hold a special place in his heart being his first graduating class as a high school principal.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to watch you grow into amazing adults over the past four years,” he said. 

The events included the introduction of co-valedictorian Jalynn Madrigal and parents, Marcus and Kristina Madrigal. Also, co-valedictorian Pedro Francisco Jose and his parents, Pedro Francisco, and Juana Jose.

Cusino also presented the Principal’s Cup to senior Kaijai Berry.

Generations of jackrabbits

Jalynn Madrigal expressed feeling honored as co-valedictorian and for being a 4th generation jackrabbit.

“My roots run deep, and this means a lot to me and my family,” Madrigal said.

 Madrigal said she’s eternally grateful to teacher Ashley Brinegar, who “single-handedly” changed her life for the better. 

“You inspire girls like me who love math and want to pursue careers in that field,” she said. “Because of you, I know what I want to do for the rest of my life. Thank you for talking to me about college and pointing out what was really important.”

Madrigal told her classmates that after tonight, they won't be defined or remembered as the kid who did all of their assignments or not. 

“What you will be remembered for is who you were as a person, how you treated others, and the relationships you built with others during your time here,” Madrigal said.   

‘Bleed green and white’

Pedro Francisco Jose told his class that theymust realize that graduation does not mean an end, but also a beginning. 

“It is the end of a period full of late-night studying, and the growth that comes from navigating both triumphs and challenges of high school,” Jose said. “But it is also the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, one that holds endless possibilities and opportunities for personal and collective growth.”

During her senior motivational speech, Senior Class President Tre’Zure Caldwell thanked school staff and administrators who never doubted her. 

“Although it has its problems, this school is a family. We’re a family and my goal was to make you guys have a memorable experience of high school,” Caldwell said. “I can’t thank the class of ‘23 enough for keeping me active in Leadership. We bleed green and white.”

Caldwell also encouraged her classmates.

“Be ready for whatever the world throws at you and keep going because opposed to what the world keeps trying to tell you, you don't need to have all the answers right now,” she said.

Despite receiving a denial letter from UCLA, Caldwell said she had to accept the fact that it wasn’t meant to be and the Lord had other plans for her.

“Louisiana State University will be my new home,” Caldwell said. “I will not be back without my degree.”

‘Dream big, make mistakes'

ASB President Karina Martinez said over the past 13 years, each student grew up learning and earning wisdom from the teachers, coaches, and administrators, who ignited something within them to be “our best selves.”

Martinez said her ultimate inspiration came from Activities Director Meghan Singer, who has guided her as a dance teacher, cheer coach, and mentor. 

“Because of her, I’ve learned your goals in life can be anything, there are no constraints,” Martinez said. “To finish a certain level of education, as we have done, to get a certain job, to become a person you're happy with, or to make the world a better place.”

She challenged the graduates to "dream big, make mistakes."

“If you get anything out of this speech, let it be this, take risks and live life to its fullest because, as many of us know, tomorrow is never promised," Martinez said. "I want us all to live in the moment as we celebrate our accomplishments that brought us this far, to the best class though we all will change this moment will stay the same forever, thank you.”

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz