COVINA – The stands at Covina District Field were packed with family and friends as Covina-Valley Unified School District celebrated 1,081 graduates with rousing music, heartfelt speeches, streamers and fanfare during commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2022.

The combined District class boasted a total of 31 valedictorians, with graduates going on to higher education at four-year universities including the University of California, Berkeley, Loyola Marymount University and the University of Southern California. Out of the 1,081 graduates, 69 students received honors for attaining GPAs of 3.65 to 3.79, and 119 were recognized with high honors for attaining GPAs of 3.8 to 4.0.

Graduation week kicked off on May 31 with the commencement ceremony for 336 graduates from Northview High School. Northview’s Class of 2022 featured 10 valedictorians who collectively received more than 30 awards and scholarships, including a $200,000 QuestBridge scholarship for Allana Martinez, who will attend the University of California, Los Angeles.

The Northview High School ceremony included speeches from three of its valedictorians. Associated Student Body president and valedictorian Jacob Leon’s dedication speech, entitled “Don’t Be Afraid to Fail,” recognized the challenges the Class of 2022 faced during the pandemic and encouraged graduates to value their ability to persevere.

“‘We fall, but we get up, because the ground is no place for a champion,’” said Leon, quoting UFC fighter Dustin Poirier. “And we are a class of champions. I believe there is so much passion sitting in these seats that after tonight, the world won’t know what hit them. By working hard and not being afraid to fail, we can all find success.”

The celebration continued on June 1 with a commencement ceremony for Fairvalley High School. Fifty continuation school graduates were honored for their hard work in completing their A-G requirements and receiving their high school diplomas.

Later that day, South Hills High School recognized 376 graduating seniors, including 14 valedictorians. Three South Hills valedictorians gave speeches that expressed immense pride in the perseverance of their classmates, as well as a fondness for the high school that will always be their home.

“Take every memory and every moment, every lesson and every laugh, every track meet and every band competition, and be grateful for the experience,” valedictorian Elysia Molander said. “As you move on to the next stepping stone in your journey, always remember that you can look back through this threshold and see that your home is where the hills are.”

The festivities wrapped up on June 2, when Covina High School’s graduating class of 319 students with six valedictorians joined the largest alumni community in the San Gabriel Valley, a community started in 1897 with the school’s first graduating class. The students received their honors on a field emblazoned with illuminated letters spelling out “Covina.”

The ceremonies featured performances by the high schools’ choirs and bands, as well as renditions of the national anthem led by students translating the lyrics into American Sign Language, and concluded with a colorful explosion of streamers in the graduates’ school colors.

“There is not enough of life to constantly try to find the gap reserved for you, blend in, or just get by,” Covina High School valedictorian Spandan Suthar said. “We need to live every bit of life to its fullest, to always work towards our goals, and to set them as high as possible.”

All of the graduating seniors ascended a dais in the center of the District Field to receive their diplomas, shaking hands with Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer and Assistant Superintendents Dr. Jonathan Blackmore and Dr. Michelle Doll.

“Covina-Valley Unified is immensely proud of the accomplishments of the Class of 2022,” Dr. Eminhizer said. “These graduates truly embody our vision of excellence every day, both in and out of the classroom. We look forward to watching their future success as they embark on their exciting journeys in college, career, community and beyond.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

COMMENCEMENT_C-VUSD1: Graduation week began with a commencement ceremony on May 31, recognizing 336 Northview High School graduates and 10 accomplished valedictorians.

COMMENCEMENT_C-VUSD2: Fifty talented students from Fairvalley High School were recognized at a commencement ceremony on June 1.

COMMENCEMENT_C-VUSD3: South Hills High School celebrated 376 graduating seniors, including 14 valedictorians, during a commencement ceremony on June 1.

COMMENCEMENT_C-VUSD4: Covina High School’s graduating class of 319 students were honored at a commencement ceremony on June 2, which included a student performance of the national anthem in American Sign Language.