ORLAND — A theme developed early at the Orland High School graduation on Thursday night, and it can best be described in one word: Success.
After all, there were strong examples everywhere you looked.
From the two dozen lifetime members of the California Interscholastic Federation who took a bow and the holdover members of the 2022 football team that won a state championship on that very field, Orland’s Class of 2024 — 206 members strong — took a well-deserved final bow in front of an overflow crowd that braved triple-digit temperatures.
“When you are pushed beyond your limit you discovered your ability, your hidden talent and the depths of your potential,” Principal Alex Mercado said in his opening remarks. “Each challenge you encounter is a chance to grow.”
Recalling the words of Thomas Edison in his efforts to invent the lightbulb, Mercado said “I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that don’t work.”
Emily Karle, one of three salutatorians to speak, echoed Mercado’s sentiments. She spoke of the importance of getting back on the horse — figurative or literal — that bucked you off.
“Get up to show the thing that threw you down that it won’t end — or get up to get some medical attention, whatever works,” she said. “It’s about how to respond when life knocks us down.”
There weren’t many times where life knocked the Class of 2024 down on the football field, among other venues. The graduating football players tasted defeat just twice in their two years on the varsity team, winning a state championship in Dec. 10, 2022 in a quagmire on their home field 20-7 against Shafter — a game that led to Shafter’s coach gaining viral recognition for complaints about the condition of the field.
That’s why Dioselin Nunez-Mercado, the class valedictorian, prompted such a huge round of laughter when she said “I wonder if Shafter still hates the mud?”
Early starters
Away from the field, there were many examples of Orland graduates taking steps to successfully begin their careers. One such example is that of graduating seniors Jordan Lister and Breydin Smith.
Speaking before the ceremony, Lister talked of the importance of “just doing your work” and spoke of continuing his education at Butte College. He noted that he and Smith “already have our own detailing business” and have been doing that work for the past couple of years.
Orland High School graduates Breydin Smith, right, and Jordan Lister, right, have already gotten a jump on their careers. They’ve operated a detailing service for the past couple of years. They pose for a photo with instructional aide Breila Martin on Thursday, June 6, 2024 in Orland, California. (Mike Wolcott/Enterprise-Record)
Asked what he enjoyed most of about high school, Lister said “Meeting new people and getting the high school experience. And actually — doing the work.”
Sometimes, “doing the work” means ending up back where you started in a better position to help others. One example is Mateo Martinez, a counselor at Orland High.
Martinez graduated from Orland in 2017 and went on to play baseball at both Lassen College and Texas A&M University-Texarcana. He completed his schooling and is now back at his alma mater as a counselor.
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Speaking of this year’s class, he said “It’s a very talented group, a fun group and good to work with.”
In her speech, Nunez-Mercado noted that while the Orland area is largely known for bees and agriculture, it is also about much more than that.
“We can all agree that Orland High School is not only about the academics,” Nunez-Mercado said. “It’s about the people you meet, the friends you make and the memories you will share forever. No matter where life takes us, you will always carry a piece of the past in our hearts.”
And for this class, no small amount of success.
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