University High School Graduation Celebrates Diversity

Graduates raised their hands in victory as they filed onto Wildcat Field on Wednesday for the 130^th commencement ceremony at University High School.

The Class of 2011 distinguished itself through its athletic accomplishments, said teacher and class sponsor Jack Morgan.

“They made it to the city championship in basketball and had a number of athletes qualify for city championships in swimming and track and field,” Morgan said. “It’s also a very diverse class and they all get along with each other really well.”

This year’s senior class is the largest in well over a decade, with more than 450 graduates.

The ceremony began with a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed by graduate Gabrielle Thompson. The UHS Orchestra accompanied Thompson.

“She’s the best singer I’ve ever seen at Uni High, and I’ve been here for 14 years,” said Assistant Principal Ali Galedary, who organized the ceremony.

Graduates then continued a long-running tradition by greeting the audience in different languages representing the school's diverse student body.

“We celebrate our diversity because we have such strength in our diversity,” Galedary told the crowd.

Daniel Fishman and Injinash Unshin were honored as class valedictorians, while Cody Johnson made the commencement address.

Johnson, who will head to the UC Berkeley in the fall, told the crowd that he would not be where he is today without the people he met at University High.

“When I got here, I found what I would call a family who, through their kindness and intervention, got me to where I am today,” Johnson said.