Party-Poppers "rained" confetti as "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang blared from speakers when the Citrus High School Class of 2026 walked away from the stage, high school diploma cases in hand, following their Commencement Ceremony Thursday night at the CHS campus.
But the excitement began earlier, when the students walked towards the stage in their burgundy cap-and-gown graduation attire to "Pomp and Circumstance."
Exzirin Gonzalez' family - mother, grandparents, and cousin - said they arrived more than an hour early and were the first ones in line to enter the campus and claim first-row seats.
Once the candidates were all standing in front, the Presentation of Colors by the Porterville Military Academy Cadets followed, with CHS Dean of Counseling Jerry Abrica leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
CHS Principal Apolinar Marroquin welcomed the crowd to the Citrus High School Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026, and followed with the introduction of several Porterville Unified School District distinguished guests.
"Today, we celebrate not only our Citrus graduates, but all the loved ones who helped them reach this proud milestone," Marroquin said, addressing the guests in English and Spanish. "To the parents, family members, and friends, your unwavering love and encouragement made today possible."
Marroquin thanked the parents, families and friends.
He also talked of Citrus' tradition of having the graduates face their families.
"This simple, yet powerful, gesture reminds us of who helped guide them to this moment, and who will continue to support them as they journey forward," Marroquin said, and continued by thanking the Citrus staff for seeing the good and the potential in each student.
"Our students are blessed to have such a caring family at school that build relationships, provide hope, and invest in helping them have a better future."
Marroquin then turned to the students.
"Tonight we celebrate you," he said and talked of being proud of each student for working hard, getting back on the right pathway, and learning from mistakes to reach their goals. "All of you have earned your diploma, and are now Citrus-Strong."
"We believe in you and we know your future is bright. Keep reaching. Keep Growing. And continue making your families, and yourselves, proud."
The evening continued with the presentation of scholarships: the Norman Norris Foundation Scholarship to Janessa Ceballo, the Francis Noble Gault Scholarship to Aaron Garza, and the Eric-Hewitt McQueen Family Scholarship to Daisy Flores.
In addition, Academic Coach Tanya Lara-Hill and Education Specialist Joseph Sahagun, of the Tule River Education Department, presented several Ceremonial Blankets and scholarships to their Native American student graduates, including Janessa Star Ceballos, Gleesin Rily Franco, Scarlette Marie Jeff and Salvador Abel Rios. In addition, Saber Sonner Esquivel, who wasn't present, was also honored.
The ceremony continued with the presentation of diplomas to each graduating candidate.
"Each teacher gets to recognize and read the student narratives, as we take great pride in the positive relationships we build within the CHS family," Marroquin announced.
One by one, the instructors called up students, shared emotional stories about their struggles and perseverance, and of where the student will be heading next - college, trade school, the military, or entering the work force. Some were the first in their family to graduate, others were so far behind in academic work, it was a close race to finish on time - but they did it. Many of the students hugged their teachers before stepping away to receive their diploma.
The Presentation of the Class of 2026 followed.
"It is with honor and pride that I present to you, the Citrus High School Graduating Class of 2026," Marroquin said. "Graduates, you may now move your tassel from the right side to the left side. Congratulations."