Schools
Viewfinder: Gilroy High Graduation Marks City's Last Undivided Senior Class
In a ceremony that one graduate called "epic," 533 seniors celebrated being the last senior class that will come entirely from Gilroy High.
Graduate Angeline Kimbo called last Friday's graduation ceremony for Gilroy High School "epic." "Graduation was almost unreal," Kimbo said. "It was like a dream. I woke up the next morning and asked myself if I really did graduate."
The 533 seniors who walked across the stage marked the last unified senior class of Gilroy. Next year, seniors will graduate from both Gilroy High School and Christopher High School.
The ceremony began as the seniors filed between a "tunnel of teachers." Gilroy High's teachers lined either side of the field and applauded each student who entered the stadium.
Find out what's happening in Gilroyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Teacher Sean LaGuardia, who began teaching at Gilroy High when the class of 2011 started here as freshmen feels a special affinity to the group. LaGuardia is also leaving Gilroy High to pursue graduate work at U.C. Berkeley.
Teacher Susan Freiberg also had reason to celebrate. Her son was among the graduates in Gilroy High's class of 2011.
Find out what's happening in Gilroyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The ceremony contained "Fireworks" (Katy Perry's top-forty hit as sung by some of Gilroy High's finest voices), blue-ribboned grandstands, flower leis, and many, many proud parents.
Graduate Melissa Gjerde called the ceremony "amazing." Gjerde said, "It contained a perfect balance between emotional, tear-jerking nostalgia and lighthearted excitement for the future.”
If you would like to add one of your photos from Gilroy High's 2011 graduation, please post it below or email it to the author of this article.
