2022 Senior Graduation

After the first year back from the pandemic, EVHS’s 2022 seniors proudly celebrate their high school completion.

By Jason Lin, transcription by Karen Chen

The final hurrah for the seniors of EVHS: [Jason Lin/EVHS Newspaper]

Confetti burst into the air as hundreds of caps came off simultaneously. The black squares flew into the air with a mighty hurrah to the thunderous applause of crying parents. The band’s Pomp and Circumstance reverberated through the entire stadium; as each senior graduate received their diploma and wreathed of achievements, the crowd roared with squeals of joy and appraisal. Then, with a shake of the hand from their principal and a wave to the camera, each senior was off towards a brave new world.

Paypal park, the locale of the 2022 EVHS graduation ceremony. [Jason Lin/EVHS Newspaper]

Inside Paypal Park [Jason Lin/EVHS Newspaper]

Yet, before the handshakes, the speeches, and the congratulations, the magnitude of 2022’s senior graduation had already been apparent. As the first in-person graduation since the beginning of the pandemic, it presented EVHS’s staff and seniors with a whole new range of possibilities and problems. Traditionally, graduation at EVHS would occur at the San Jose State Event Center, but a new outdoor venue was necessary due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety concerns.

“We were concerned about the guidance around mega-events, just because we would have over 5,000 people there. But ultimately, that guidance went away in March, so we could safely have graduation,” said Mr.Kleckner, principal of EVHS.

Crowds of eager parents lining up to see their graduating seniors [Jason Lin/EVHS Newspaper]

PayPal park was chosen as the venue for the event, a massive stadium capable of housing eighteen thousand people. Paypal security employees worked round the clock to ensure the smooth entering, exiting, and transit within the establishment. Additionally, the EVHS administration took health measures to ensure the safety of both parents and students during the ceremony.

“We did put out hand sanitizer before students got onto the stage because it’s a lot of handshaking with the board members and me. We asked all the seniors to sanitize their hands coming on the stage and coming off just so we could be safe in that way.” said Mr. Kleckner, “Masks were encouraged, but ultimately it was up to each student and each audience member to make their choice.”

Thus, despite the ceremony's attendance reaching the thousands, no significant hiccup occurred, which took away from the graduation. On the contrary, seniors overwhelming felt optimistic about the events proceeding, aside from the intense summer heat.

“The first thing that came to mind was very hot. We were sitting directly in the sun on the graduate's side, but it felt really nice. I know a lot of the student speakers and admin were talking about how monumental this graduation was since it was our first one back from COVID and it did really feel that special.” said Quynh, a graduating senior, “After all, was said and done, we went out to take pictures. Just seeing everyone embracing their family, and celebrating with friends - I think it's a special moment, and it's a special moment for any high school.”

“It was very exhilarating, and it was a very, like, joyous moment of celebration, and it felt like all the work that I've put in for the past four years, it all paid off. I was especially grateful to, like, enjoy it in real life compared to, like, the previous years and of course with my friends and my family. It was very fulfilling.” said Alexander, another graduating senior.

Mr. Kleckner and EVHS Administration congratulate a senior on graduating [Jason Lin/EVHS Newspaper]

The students didn’t simply share the joy. When asked about his favorite experience during this year's graduation, Mr.Kleckner responded:

“I would say just shaking hands with students and telling them congratulations and doing it hundreds of times and seeing them just so happy. I feel lucky to be a principal because you’re able to congratulate students in that special moment and just share that moment with them and get a picture; it’s just special.”

Therefore, 2022's returning in-person graduation reflected the return to in-person school. Despite the changes in social distancing, mask mandates, testing, and vaccines, EVHS students adapted and thrived. For many students, the 2021 lost school year online was tough. However, the struggle seemed only to reinforce their drive and cougar spirit.

“It definitely took a lot away. A year and a little bit more. I missed out on a lot of social interactions. I think my grades definitely slipped a little bit. So it was hard on the academic part. It felt, you know, that much harder.” said Alexander. “But it also motivated me to keep on going, because I knew that, you know, this is just another obstacle, and you know, I can get through it. So it was more of like motivation, but also, like, you know, not the greatest ever.”

The initiative taken by EVHS seniors helped smooth the return to normalcy.

“Our seniors were instrumental in reopening EVHS. They remembered what it meant to be a cougar and how to roar, what and how to act on campus, and were able to teach that to our younger students as well. I know that I’m forever grateful to the class of 2022 just for their leadership in reopening Evergreen Valley.” said Mr. Kleckner.

“Usually, with the upperclassmen, the seniors would be holding the higher positions in ASB and I assume they would be making more of the heavyweight decisions. Because it was our last year and because we had missed so much time out of COVID, they were willing to really go above and beyond and go the extra mile to make this event even more memorable.” said Quynh, “It felt really special, not only for the people organizing the event but also for the people who were attending.”

Senior graduate taking one final picture together as a high schooler. [Jason Lin/EVHS Newspaper]

When asked about their favorite high school experiences, many seniors attributed the friendships and connections they’ve made throughout the years to their favorites. Others talked about the events and clubs of EVHS, but overall the theme of EVHS’s community remained consistent for each student.

“Probably doing activities with my friend, whether it be speech and debate, MUN, or working in a non-profit alongside some of my friends.” said Adrian, EVHS graduating valedictorian,“...You won’t remember every single thing that you learned in every single class, but the really memorable thing that you will take away is the experiences you had with teachers, friends, the bonds you form --- all of that”.

“I loved being a part of the clubs at EV, everyone is always so motivated and hyped for any club event. The whole environment is always so uplifting, and taking on challenges together really shows you how teamwork works. It brings together so many people, and I wouldn't have met more than half of my most close friends if I hadn't joined clubs at EV.” said Avishi, 2021 Bioengineering Chemistry club president and graduating senior.

Valedictorian Speaker Steven taking a picture with a fellow student [Jason Lin/EVHS Newspaper]

When asked the most important question he learned as a high school principal, Mr. Kleckner responded with the importance of a vibrant and accepting school community.

“I would say just in general, relationships and connection are everything. And so what we try to do at EVHS is to foster an environment where there are more positive relationships on campus: student to student, student to staff, staff to staff.” said Mr. Kleckner, “that‘s why we try to do things like Battle, and Roar N’ Loud, and Cougar Connections. Everything that can just connect students more to school is really valuable and improves the educational experience.”

Away into another life: [Jason Lin/EVHS Newspaper]

As another chapter closes on their life, the seniors of EVHS reminisce both on all they’ve done and all they could’ve done. For many, the four years seemed to come and go at a flash, yet they are still happy with the experiences and memories they’ve made. As they enter a new life in college, their efforts and impact will not be forgotten by EVHS.

“Make the most of your time at EV, it is there, and it is gone. It flew by for me and I am sure it will go by pretty fast for everybody else…” said Adrian,

On her graduation cap, Quynh inscribed a favorite quote of her she received from her tutor; it wrote: “Smile not because you don’t have any struggles, but because you can overcome all of them.”

For many a student, these words perhaps encapsulate their high school experience. The formal transition from a child into an adult and into the real world. The opportunity to find themselves and their future through classes, clubs, and community. A time of challenge but also of great growth. So in their final tips for the underclassmen of EVHS, an open mind remained central within their final message.

A stadium of everyone and anyone: [Jason Lin/EVHS Newspaper]

“I’d say take risks and, like, seize the opportunity whenever it’s available. Four years seems like a lot, but it just ended for me and it seemed so short. Your greatest moments of growth, where you meet your best friends or where your greatest moments can come from spontaneous decisions and taking risks.” said Adrian.

With a new life in front of them, the graduating seniors for EVHS face a daunting task. Yet, whether it is college, career, or service, no mountain is too high for these cougars who ROAR.

As valedictorian speaker Isabella Williams summarized in her speech, “I managed. We all managed, to go through a pandemic and I am so grateful we all got to end it together. Not through a screen, but finally, face to face…Together as a class, we learned the words of Vivian Green who once said: ‘life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain’. So thank you and congratulations class of 2022!”

Archived list of tips:

Adrian:

“One tip I would have is, don’t get too caught up in any extracurriculars or any one aspect of high school. Don’t constantly go for top grades, or sacrifice everything for a specific extracurricular. I think just doing things that make you feel good, even if it doesn’t perfectly fit this image of how a high school should be. That is actually another thing, don’t try and mold your high school experience into something that it is not. Especially if that come from comparing it to something that it should have been or could have been. I think that is something that is very detrimental to your experience, cause it will make you feel as if you haven’t done enough or should’ve done this and that. It will leave you with a lot more questions than any benefitical tips. So I think that something really important is just kind of pushing forward in your own way, rather than trying to have that path set for you by someone else. Because it can’t be.”

Alexander:

“Live in the moment and try everything!”

Hitiksha:

“Stop fretting about starting a nonprofit or your calc grade or how many APs your neighbor is taking- and explore. If you have even the slightest interest or desire to try a class, subject, club, activity- try it. High school is one the best places to really use your feelings to guide your actions and use evidence from that to find your true passion. 1. exploring in high school for the most part is free 2. there are a million different ways to get to your dream university, and several ones don't involve nearly drowning in work in high school 3. you will not get the endless opportunities and resources all in one place like this for a while- so use this support system while you can!”

Anmol:

“Don't overload yourself with APs just for the sake of taking APs. The college system is rigged, and you will always end up somewhere. Take the classes of your passion, or something you are interested in, otherwise you'll be wasting your time, and will be stress for no reason.”

Quynh :

“Talk with others about what you're going through as much as you can, whenever you feel like you're struggling or just want some reassurance about your high school journey. Chances are, someone out there is going through the exact same thing or very similar. EVHS has more resources now (and more to come) that can support your emotional wellbeing. Teachers, counselors, social workers, etc. are there for a reason.

Remember it's all about balance. What works for someone else might not work for you. Finding the right combination of interests and building your priorities based on your own value system (not someone else's) can be a challenge but a very necessary one.”

Amy:

“Just to preface, I’m not a mental health professional so take my advice with a grain of salt.

I know a lot of people in HS struggle with anxiety and depression. Intrusive thoughts can be a symptom of such conditions. Intrusive thoughts are something a lot of people struggle with. They’re involuntary, unpleasant, sometimes repetitive thoughts that can be violent, gross, or downright offensive. When you get intrusive thoughts, don’t think they’re a reflection of who you are, and don’t try to fight them either. There’s a fear of “losing control” when it comes to intrusive thoughts. It’s important to remember that a lot of people have these random thoughts too so you’re not alone. A lot of thoughts are dumb. They don’t really mean anything. Your brain just feels like messing with you for some reason. And if you find them distressing and affect your ability to live a normal life, there’s nothing wrong with therapy. :)”

Alex:

“Don’t get behind on work, always study for anything, and make as many friends as possible”

Jack:

“I would say don't think about college too much in your decisions. Obviously, college is important to consider, but colleges want dedicated students they think will be successful, and there are many ways you can show you are dedicated, with the best way being to do what you want and do it well. If you are just doing something because you think it's good for college apps, that motivation can only take you so far compared to intrinsic motivation, which never runs out, and will end up showing colleges a better view of who you are and how you can be successful.”

Avishi:

“It'll definitely be overwhelming at times, especially with all the smart, competitive students at EV, but don't forget to acknowledge your own accomplishments, no matter how small. Don't put yourself for what you haven't done, or what others have. Everyone has their own story, and you'd be surprised to know that at least one person in your class of 500+has probably shared similar hardships as you. Take the time to get to know people because you're not in it alone. Also the yogurt parfaits in the breakfast line are delicious, take advantage of the free food:)”

Mr. Kleckner:

“I would say get involved on campus. You know this is a big school, 2800 students, and it can feel big, but there are ways for it to feel smaller and to feel more connected. And so you know that means joining a club, joining a sports team, participating in performing arts, and doing volunteer work on campus. Anything you can do to get involved on campus aside from the 6 classes that you take will be really helpful, not just preparing you for college and career, but for making high school more enjoyable, more fun, helping you make friends, and ultimately helping you feel more connected to school. And I really encourage students to find something they’re interested in to get involved and if they don't find anything they’re interested in in 100 clubs, they can start a new club for us at Evergreen. “