Pasco High awards diplomas to 117 graduates at commencement ceremony

Principal Veronica Machado presided over Pasco High School's 117th commencement at Edgar Brown Stadium, telling graduates the community "believes in you and has invested in your future." The Pasco School District board and Superintendent Michelle Whitney joined staff, family members and community sponsors to present diplomas to the class of 2025.

"Graduates, take a moment, look around you," Principal Veronica Machado said. "Your hard work, your perseverance, and your accomplishments have brought us all together. Remember this, your community believes in you and has invested in your future. Carry that with you as you move forward."

Valedictorian Madeline Walker, who said she will attend the University of Idaho to double major in music and Spanish, urged classmates to avoid perfectionism and to be kind to themselves. "Perfectionism is overrated," Madeline Walker said. "I've redefined it as give 95% of your best given your current circumstances." Principal Machado introduced Walker before a program that included several student and staff speakers.

Bailey Peterson, the principals'-list elected speaker, told classmates they had learned resilience and the value of showing up. "Attitude and effort will take you further than talent ever could," Bailey Peterson said, summarizing the sentiment of several speakers about persistence and adaptability.

Student-elected bilingual speaker Alina Hernandez Ortega framed the night as a family accomplishment, thanking immigrant parents for sacrifices that helped students reach graduation. "When you see us fly, it was you who gave us our wings," Alina Hernandez Ortega said.

Staff-elected bilingual speaker Estefani Bojorquez Gutierrez reflected on her own arrival in the U.S. and told graduates they leave with more than a diploma. "I'm walking out with a story worth telling," Estefani Bojorquez Gutierrez said.

ASB President David Ochoa closed the student remarks by asking classmates to consider their role in the world after graduation. "When you go out into the world after this graduation, how are you gonna help the world? How will you make a difference?" David Ochoa said.

The program recognized exchange students from several countries, students who committed to U.S. military service, career and technical education certification recipients, Running Start and associate-degree earners, Dean's List honorees, biliteracy seal recipients, members of the National Honor Society and scholarship winners. The program noted that this year's scholarship students "have earned millions of dollars" toward their education. Sponsors thanked in the ceremony included 5 Star Guttering, the Pasco Kiwanis Club and Wacitos Landscaping and Pro Painting.

Superintendent Michelle Whitney presented the graduates and said the students "have met all of the graduation requirements, standards, and policies as set by the Pasco School District Board of Directors and the State of Washington." The ceremony concluded after graduates moved their tassels and were presented to family and friends in the end zone areas.

The evening combined formal presentation of diplomas with student reflections on perseverance, community support and next steps in education, work or service.