As the Porterville Military Academy Color Guard presented the Colors while the National Anthem played, everyone stood respectfully in the warm evening sun to begin PMA's Graduation on Tuesday.
Porterville Military Academy Principal Dr. Rudy Cardona thanked esteemed faculty and staff, proud families, devoted friends, and, most importantly, the graduating class of 2025, for being there. “We are all very proud of our cadets, and so is our community.”
He spoke about the beginning journey for the graduates, and thanked the dedicated teachers and staff for their support, “believing in our students. Their daily commitment has made all the difference. They are more than educators. They are mentors, role models, and builders of dreams. They’ve inspired curiosity, ignited passion, and created lasting memories, through patience and wisdom, and have guided young minds with compassion and integrity. Modeled kindness, upheld fairness, and perhaps most importantly, given their time and hearts, so that each student seemed validated, valued and encouraged to become their best self.
“To our military instructors and staff, you instill discipline, build character, and inspired resilience. Through your example, our students learned what it truly means to lead with honor and to serve with purpose, and your presence on this campus brings a sense of structure and strength. You challenge your cadets to rise to higher standards, and you do so with respect, encouragement, and unwavering commitment. Thank you for shaping future leaders who will carry these values into every path they pursue. We are proud to have you on Team PMA and profoundly thank you for your service, both to our country and to our school.”
Cardona talked about community and board members, superintendents, taking the time to be a the school talking to students, encouraging them, and traveling hours to be at various competitions, mentoring students; business owners spending evenings and weekends, mentoring students, helping shape our care tech education vision; or state military department personnel making the time to be there.
He thanked parents and guardians for being their child's first teacher, saying. “know that your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. Your unwavering support is a source of strength and motivation for these young men and women. Today's achievement is as much yours as it is theirs.
“PMA was just beginning at the time of the global COVID 19 pandemic, and the future was uncertain. Imagine the courage it took for this small but determined class to be part of something still taking shape during one of the most uncertain times in recent memories. Class of 2025, you have shown us that you are willing to take risks to be bold and vulnerable. You adapted your new habits, language and culture. Well, the rest of the world was building inwards, you stepped forwards. That's not just a decision. That's bravery. That's vision and that's leadership.”
PMA Dean, Jolene Robles recognized the CSF, Golden State, Civic Engagement and Seal of Biliteracy recipients. The whole senior class of 2025 earned the state seal of civic engagement awards
Lt. Col. Fred Dohnke, PMA comandant, said it had been a pleasure watching cadets grow into amazing student leaders. He recognized Seniors who have achieved officer status in the California Cadet Corps and Ayden Lanning, Iyari Saucedo, Ariyiah Brazell, and Connor Lanning who will be training and educating the younger cadets.
Robles recognized the top two academically ranked Cadets for the school year, Ayden Lanning as Salutatorian, and Ariyiah Brazell, Valedictorian, and gave them medals, honoring their determination and commitment, leadership and integrity. She said to Brazell she helped build and strengthen the school’s culture. “We are confident that you will carry those same qualities with you as you step into your next chapter at UC Berkeley. Congratulations!” Robles said to Brazell.
Cadet Claudio Sanchez translated the Valedictorian speech into Spanish.
Valedictorian Cadet Captain Brazell greeted everyone, saying she was honored to give her speech for Porterville Military Academy’s graduating class 2025. Graduating held bittersweet feelings. Although she’s extremely enthusiastic about UC Berkeley where she’ll be studying abroad in London, she will miss the cadet life. She said hse and her peers have had amazing experiences at PMA, “Whether we were flying planes, facilitating events of five hundred people, or spending seven days in the wilderness, we’ve made the most out of every adventure.”
She acknowledged the dedication the seniors put into every task, handling many stressful situations with teamwork, communication, military precision, and lots of caffeinated beverages. “They’ve faced obstacles together and grown mentally and physically, and they’ve developed a family-like bond that few grades are lucky enough to achieve.”
She said they are all leaders, and the talent within this group is astonishing. And she's still shocked the majority of the class learned to fly a plane before learning to drive as well as they have all earned the State Seal of Civic Engagement after identifying problems within “our community and spreading awareness on those issues to implement change. I congratulate all of you on your success and achievements.”
She thanked her parents, family and teachers for all their assistance and help, and enormous amount of support. “It is due to your guidance that we now understand the meaning of leadership. You all have pushed us to reach our goals and realize our full potential. We have been more than fortunate to have people in our lives who believed in us and took the time to mentor us into being the best versions of ourselves. Tonight is just as meaningful to us as I believe it is for all of you.”
Iyari Vianey Saucedo Silva gave the 30th Regimental Commander speech. She dedicated her speech to her mother and father and thanked them, speaking to them in Spanish, and later translating her speech.
She spoke about being unsure of the future and as a cadet and PMA. She said the decision to attend the school was a pivotal turning point. And it was the best decision she ever made. In the following year she was introduced to a new sense of discipline, culture, and values — values she holds dear.
As she rose through the ranks, she learned from every experience and mentor and has been a part of this school’s rich tradition, she said. She’s seen the growth that comes with hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Aviation is her passion. It all began when she was 11 years old, attending her first EAA Young Eagles event. She’s pursued opportunities to fly, earning certifications, and setting her sights on becoming a fighter pilot in the Air Force.
“I’ve also had the unique opportunity to attend the AIM High program, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force, and immerse myself in the aviation world. The experience taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, determination, and resilience. Success is a journey. Sometimes the road has detours, but that doesn’t mean we stop striving.
“Now, as I prepare to attend Oklahoma State University and pursue a degree in Architectural Engineering, I know that my time here at PMA has laid the foundation for everything to come. I will be participating in the OSU Air Force ROTC program, and when I graduate, I will join the Air Force, where I plan to become a pilot and ultimately a fighter pilot.”
But none of this would have been possible without the lessons learned at PMA., she said.
“Embrace the opportunities that come your way, even when you feel unsure. Take risks, step outside and challenge yourself to grow,” she said. “And remember your journey doesn’t end with just a single decision or accomplishment. It is a continuous pursuit. Each step forward builds on the last.
“In my journey I’ve learned it’s about the commitment to always give my best, to help others, and to lead by example.
“I stand here tonight as a testament to what hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to serve can achieve. I am not special, each of you has the potential to achieve even greater things than I ever could.
“So, as you move forward in your journey, remember that every step counts. Strive for excellence, and never stop pushing forward. If I can do it, so can you.”
Cardona thanked all the cadets for their speeches, after which PMA Phoenix Band Director Julio Sandoval led the band playing “Wings of the Mind” by composer Brian Balmeges,
Porterville Unified School District Administrators, Board members, PMA Instructors and other dignitaries warmly congratulated cadet graduates and handed them their diplomas.