The Granite Hills High School 2025 senior class processional was exciting as family members and friends tooted horns, rattled noisemakers, as nervous, and joyous graduates walked onto the Jacob Rankin Stadium track while Pomp and Circumstance played.
Abraham Navarette announced the Presentation of the Colors by the Porterville Military Academy Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" played by the Granite Hills Band.
Granite Hills Principal Jacob Bowker welcomed everyone to the Commencement Ceremony, Thursday, introducing Porterville Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Nate Nelson, assistant superintendent Dr. Martha Stuemky and board members Tom Velasquez and Donna Berry.
He greeted faculty, proud parents, distinguished guests, and especially the Granite Hills graduating class of 2025 who were filled with anticipation, reflection, and boundless possibility, he said.
He recognized not only the academic achievements of the 251 graduates, but the character, the heart, and the determination that brought them to graduation.
“To the families in the audience, your pride tonight is not only understandable — it is deeply deserved. Your encouragement, perseverance, and sacrifices have been the quiet engine behind these students' success. Thank you for entrusting us with your children, a trust never taken lightly.”
He spoke to the class, saying their story was of grit, growth, and grace. They had ambition, led with energy, but also had the ability to get back on track. “It’s how you get back up, refocus and realign with purpose.”
Bowker suggested graduates surround themselves with people who challenge growth and uplift them. “People who match your energy, mirror your values, and inspire your potential. Make sure the voices closest to you are the ones that truly matter.
“Life will teach you more than any textbook ever could. Stay open to learning, and stay brave enough to evolve. And when in doubt, let the words of Winston Churchill encourage. Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It’s the courage to continue that counts.
“The courage to continue is your power. Measure success in how many lives you elevate.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to walk alongside you these past few years. Congratulations, Class of 2025. The world is waiting for your light - go shine.”
Joanna Molina Ambriz gave the 2025 Class speech in both English and Spanish, as did the valedictorians.
She greeted everyone, saying it was an honor and privilege to celebrate the graduating class of 2025. “Thank you for being here to witness the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and growth. We are young adults standing on the edge of something new and exciting! I see a community that has faced adversity and come out stronger. I see leaders who have grown academically, but in courage, compassion, and character, and overcome challenges.
“While this is a day of joy and celebration, it is also a moment of reflection. We would not be here without the support of our family, teachers, and mentors.
“Graduates, the world is waiting for your voice, visions, and leadership! Go forward not just to succeed, but to uplift others along the way. Congratulations, We did it – together.”
Special Recognition Awards students wore hardware and honors stoles and Bowker recognized their achievements in the Pathways CODE, ACE, and. LJE, AVID, California Scholarship Federation Life Members, and the 2025 Gates Scholarship Recipient, and Honor students and scholarship recipients.
Valedictorian and Gates Scholarship recipient Grace Gonzalez Lopez greeted Granite Hills faculty, staff, custodians, friends, family and classmates, saying she saw more than remarkable graduates, but stories of perseverance, endurance, and quiet strengths of those who refused to give up.
She quoted a familiar quote, “It is never too late to start the day over.”
She spoke of unpredictability, talking about times students felt behind, overwhelmed, or simply lost. “But every day is a choice,” she said, “to begin again, and it’s up to you to let that light in. Every step is a new beginning, a second chance.
“To my classmates, you are much more than your grades or accomplishments. Remember to live with purpose within every action you take. Continue to fight for those who don't have a voice, and never forget that you can begin again every single day.”
She thanked her role models and inspirations, her parents and siblings, who left their home, friends, and family to build a better future for her.
“Please believe when I tell you, I would not be standing here without your sacrifices. You built a foundation from nothing, in a new country, with a brand new language and still managed to ask for help when you had every reason to feel alone. That is a strength I can only hope to carry on with me for the rest of my life.
“Despite every acceptance, every scholarship, and every accomplishment, there is nothing in this world that I can show to prove how thankful I am. The diploma we celebrate today belongs more to you than it does to me.
“To my beloved senior class, thank you for being a part of my story. As we say goodbye, take with you the love, strength, and lessons we learned here. Hug your loved ones. Text your siblings. Tell your teachers thank you. And finally, hold your heads up high, Class of 2025, Congratulations.”
Valedictorian Rebeca Ortiz Mendez greeted everyone saying she was incredibly grateful and proud to be a part of the Granite Hills Class of 2025. She spoke of it being the last time many of them will spend with close friends. And how everyone has grown and flourished. Thrived. And pushed forward through every high school obstacle.
She thanked her older sister Daniela, saying “I love you. You pushed me to be the best person I could be. Since I was little and inspired me to become valedictorian, because I knew I wanted to be just like you. Thank you for being like my second mom.
My motivation for going to college is, and like many of you who come from immigrant and Hispanic families, my biggest inspiration is my parents. Like I told my parents, this is the beginning. We have finally made it to the starting line. This is the beginning of an era. We will embrace the good and bad and take them with us on whatever journey the universe plans for us.
“As we step into the next chapter of our lives with eagerness and excitement, we will soon realize that not everything goes according to our plans. So, as you go into the world to chase your dreams, remember you will be met with battles you can't win and mountains you can't climb.
“Your worth is not measured by your setbacks, but by your ability to keep going. Remember it’s our turn to write what comes next. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a wrap on the most chaotic, emotional, and unforgettable years of our lives. Class of 2025 we did it.”
Valedictorian Emily Santoyo greeted guests, faculty, friends, family, and graduates.
She spoke of a high school journey filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable memories. She thanked teachers and staff who supported, challenged, and shaped them, showing them the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and hard work.
“We and our families are so grateful. Your support and love carried us through every tough moment. Your belief in us made the hard times bearable, and your pride made our victories sweeter. The achievement is as much yours as it is ours. Personally, my parents deserve more recognition than words can express. As immigrants, they didn’t have the same opportunities to finish school as many others, but they taught me the value of education in ways I’ll have for the rest of my life.
“Growing up, my parents were rich in knowledge. They showed me, if I was willing to learn, opportunities would follow. They reminded me education would always be my ticket to a brighter future. Through their sacrifices they ensured I could walk this stage. They gave me every tool I needed to succeed, I am eternally grateful.”
Santoyo thanked her older brother for being a constant source of inspiration, helping her through tough times with patience and humor. She said, “Lupe, I admire you more than you know, and I’m so grateful to have you in my life.
“Friends, classmates, we’ve laughed, struggled, learned, and grown. This moment is not a finish line, it’s a starting point. The tassel we move today marks the beginning of our journey. Everything ahead is unwritten, it’s ours to write.
“We’ve learned to work hard, to fail and try again, to show up for one another, and to keep going when things feel impossible. Those lessons are the foundation for wherever life takes us, college, careers, service, travel, or paths we haven’t imagined. Don’t be afraid to aim high, speak up, take risks, and keep growing. Carry forward the courage to question, to learn, and the determination to keep showing up, not just for ourselves, but for the world around us. Today we’re just getting started.
“Thank you for the memories, the lessons, and the love. Congratulations, Class of 2025!”
Farewell speeches were given by Ace Alcantar and Anthony Contreras.
The Granite Hills High School Band, performed Beyond the Seven Hills by Michael Sweeney, led by Michael Milligan.
Bowker presented the class of 2025, and said, “Parents, family, and friends of these graduates, please shout and scream when your student’s name is called.”
Velasquez and Berry presented diplomas.