Thirteen years of work – including a couple severely impacted by the pandemic – came to fruition for over 200 Escalon High School seniors on Friday night, May 30. The Class of 2025 entered Engel Field as Cougars and left as alumni, with their graduation ceremony the 105th commencement in the history of EHS.
Assistant Principal Daniel Taylor led the procession of seniors, who made their way around the field, waving to crowds filling the stands on both the home and visitor’s sides. Principal Jason Furtado issued the welcome with senior classmates Cortney Ball and Daniel Adams then taking the stage to perform the National Anthem.
Senior Class President Ryan Murphy also offered some thoughts to the crowd.
“Standing here on this field tonight, it is hard not to point back to the last time this group of kids were sitting in the same seats at our eighth grade promotion; the only difference was that we had a mask on, were spaced six feet apart and we all had little certainty about what high school held for us,” Murphy said. “We entered our high school careers at one of the most difficult times in history and, looking back, I wouldn’t have wanted it to go any other way. Because of this hardship, the Class of 2025 was able to show who they are; a strong, resilient group of hard workers who are able to adapt to a changing world and overcome any challenges that follow … we have learned how to overcome adversity and win as a team.”
Sharing the stage on Friday were co-Valedictorians – and best friends – Emma Berchtold and Kali Castellanos to give their address.
“It is so good to look out tonight and see all the parents, family and friends gathered to honor our classmates,” Berchtold said. “We couldn’t have done it without you. You have provided us with unconditional love, patience, guidance and support that we needed to be able to achieve this moment.”
Castellanos went on to thank school administrators and teachers for their impact, and then offered a message to the class as a whole.
“It’s been an honor to know and grow up with you,” Castellanos stated. “What you’ve accomplished in these four years has been remarkable; from TVL and Section victories, state championships, our numerous academic successes, the leaders and innovators of our FFA program, our strong, skilled first responders team and much more.”
Berchtold added they have left “records to be broken, big shoes to fill and a bar set high” for those classes that will follow.
“Tonight is all about recognition of all your accomplishments but also the anticipation of all you still have to achieve,” Berchtold said. “We know all of your futures are bright and we hope you leave here knowing that there is nothing you can’t do. You are ready to take on any challenges you may face and are capable of achieving greatness.”
With a performance of the Alma Mater, the presentation of the class and the moving of the tassels, the Class of 2025 marked the occasion by tossing their graduation caps to the sky, then greeting family and friends on the field to celebrate.
