PARADISE — Popping confetti, spraying silly string and carrying each other piggyback at sunset was all part of a complete Paradise High School’s graduation ceremony Thursday, when 126 Bobcats walked across the stage to receive their diploma.
It’s the first class to have used the school’s new main building that opened in August, and school staff and parents alike are proud of their kids’ achievements.
Teacher of the Year Ellie Nixon delivered a heartfelt speech for her first year on the job, reading her speech off her phone like “a true Gen Z-er.”
“I’m so humbly impressed by the perseverance and grit of this community. As us grown folks know bad things can happen, and they can happen again. Tragedy is unforgiving … but it is our decision how we react; how we respond to the worst is how we discover our best,” Nixon said.
Nixon told the students to be someone who they’re proud of and to make choices that make them feel their hard work was worth it.
“You have value that no test can ever define. You’ll learn to make your own way in life, because that is what you do. … Some of you will get lost in the darkness at the bottom of your hole. But if Minecraft has taught me anything, there will be a light if you just look up.” Nixon said.
“Congratulations to the Paradise High School class of 2024. Allegedly, you’re going to change the world. But I don’t think there’s anything alleged about that. Kick some butt Bobcats. Nixon, out!”
Co-principals Kelli Gordon and Christina Voigt addressed the students Thursday, congratulating them on their accomplishments in graduating.
“We’re so proud of our class and the achievements they have. It’s an exciting time in rebuilding our community and graduating another class of seniors,” Gordon said.
Jake Foor gave his salutatorian speech, reflecting on his growth in himself and his peers.
“The things that we’ve been through taught us to never take what we have for granted, and to take that opportunity before it’s too late,” Foor said. “Having amazing people that will upbring you at any moment has been one of the biggest blessings ever. Paradise is and has always been a town backed by unity.”
“If I was told I would be salutatorian four years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you. But if I told you my twin sister was one spot ahead of me, I would have said that sounds about right,” Foor said about his valedictorian sister Chloe Foor.
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Valedictorian Evan Wang gave the parting speech, reflecting on what experiences he and his classmates have had, and will look forward to in the future.
“It’s truly astounding to think the time has arrived for us to spread our wings and fly from our nests for the horizons we’ve always dreamed of … however, we must all remember we are all Bobcats and we will forever be Bobcats. We are the community has weathered the same challenges together such as the Camp Fire and the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Wang said.
“Most importantly, we must remember as grandmaster Yoda once said: do or do not, there is no try.”
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