Con-grad-ulations

Unforgettable moments by Michael Negrete Photography at Glendora High School's graduating Class of 2022.

Graduation is a unique memory for every individual to experience, along with their friends and family. It's a milestone that each kid undergoes before entering adulthood. Capturing moments like this one or similar memories through portraits is an excellent opportunity to keep these memories alive forever. Being at graduation was an unreal feeling of joy and excitement for those around me. Seeing the different emotions of every student as they shake their teacher's hand and receive their diploma was heartwarming.

ASB President Faith Ehmke giving her speech to the senior class.

As a graduate, I witnessed many inspiring speeches by the ones who made this school year a success. Dr. Matthew Brummett opened the ceremony with a speech about the achievements of our class. The pandemic had a huge impact on education, but through the help of the community, we were able to get through the 2021-22 school year. Brummett went on to introduce Faith Ehmke, the Senior Class President. In her closing statement, she said, "Class of 2022, we did it." That's when reality hit, and I realized high school was over.

Dr. Matthew Brummett opening up the ceremony at Citrus College.

The six valedictorians all gave their inspiring speeches and talked about the different ways they got through high school. These students went above and beyond with academics or extracurricular activities throughout the four years at Glendora High School. As each valedictorian spoke, they shared the next steps in their path. Whether heading off to Stanford, UCLA, or Berkley, cheers were heard throughout the entire Citrus College Stadium.

The six valedictorians of the 2021-2022 Senior Class.

I saw how my classmates celebrated as they had the biggest smiles on their faces walking down the ramp with the diploma in their hands. Michael Negrete's Photography Studio captured the graduates' raw emotions and excitement as the ceremony occurred at Citrus College.

As Glendora High School counselors read off each student's name, they’d walk across the stage, shake a staff member's hand, and then receive their diploma. Through the pictures, it's evident that the staff and students have a heart-touching bond. I remember that exact feeling as I walked across the stage, and I saw my favorite teacher for the last time as she screamed my name. That's a moment that I'll cherish forever.

Two graduates hug and celebrate with a staff member as they receive their diploma.

As the ceremony was coming to an end, every graduate's smile grew more and more. As students received their diplomas and walked back to their seats, the anticipation for wanting to move the tassel from right to left was growing. Then soon enough, the last name was read. All the graduates stood up, and we sang our Alma Mater one last time. Shortly after, we moved our tassels from right to left. As soon as I knew it, caps flew everywhere, and everyone was screaming joyfully.

Graduates celebrating the end of the ceremony.

The emotions on the faces of everyone as caps were thrown in the air to celebrate as a chapter of our life is coming to an end as well as moving on into real life. It was starting to hit me that high school is really over.

Some ran to find their parents or friends; others ran to grab the paper inside the diploma with their names. The feeling of seeing a loved one and Michael Negrete Photography being able to capture that moment was heartwarming to see those pictures, and the amount of emotions is evident.

It was great to see the Mayor of Glendora, Gary Boyer, at the ceremony speaking with Michael Negrete, who was behind all the magic with the camera. Michael has photographed many of the 2021-2022 high school events at Glendora High School.

Mayor Gary Boyer and Michael Negrete at Citrus College.

Michael Negrete's Photography Studio has been a big part of a successful senior year. As he took the senior portraits of Glendora High School's graduating class, photographed one of the high school's most awaited events known as Action, and captured everything for the Graduation Ceremony on June 8th, Michael was one to thank for documenting all the essential highlights of senior year as well as the happiness of the graduates.

Images captured by Michael Negrete.

Speaking of Senior Portraits, I had mine taken by Michael Negrete's Photography studio, which led me to take a photography class at Glendora. As the year ended, I applied to the studio, obtained a job, and now I get to be around something I enjoy daily.

Written by Carine Henein

Glendora High School’s graduating class of 2022.

Missed out on the link? It’s never too late to purchase! Text the access code below to view the class of 2022 graduation gallery!