Fight song a highlight of M-P graduation

EVERETT – Senior class president Leonardo Jaramillo got the audience involved at the Marysville-Pilchuck High School graduation ceremony Wednesday at Angel of the Winds Arena.

He asked M-P grads and alumni to stand and sing the school fight song.

That interactive activity was a highlight of the event, along with the handing out of the approximately 280 diplomas, of course.

In his speech, Jaramillo encouraged his classmates to celebrate the milestone, but to also to thank those who helped them reach this point in life.

“You will be missed,” he said.

Valedictorian Brielle Sydow said their class learned to work hard even if they didn’t like what they had to do because it would pay off. She encouraged her fellow graduates to “do what you love to do” and to “take the world one step at a time.”

In his reflection speech, Ivan Escalante said if they were asked if they were happy to be graduating from high school they would say “yes, but…”

While they are glad to start their next chapter of their lives getting the freedom they always wanted, they also will miss things like hanging out with their friends every weekend.

“We crossed the finish line” in getting their diplomas, he said, adding he hopes they cross paths in the future.

Superintendent Jason Thompson said, “We are proud of your achievements.”

Millison Castro was the salutatorian, and other class officers are vice president Grayce Federspiel, secretary Lilianne Fischer and treasurer Alejandra Campos.

Performers included the concert band, drumline, Ashlyn Stoker singing the National Anthem, Daniel Irwin singing and playing guitar to “Wonder,” and “These Days” with pianist and singers Athena Rondeau and Taylor Martin.

The Navy Junior ROTC presented the colors and retiring principal Dave Rose the welcome.