The Class of 2017 moves into the
History of a proud High School

On June 9, 2017 the class of 1917 proudly attended the One Hundred Thirteenth commencement ceremony on Knowles Field on the Alhambra High School Campus. 

Principal Tom Doppe along with three members of the Board of Education presented diplomas to 247 graduates.  The beach balls were flying through the air as family, friends, and on lookers filled the bleachers and sidelines of the field, ringing cow bells, clicking clickers, and blowing air horns with great applause and pleasure.

Principal Doppe delivered an outstanding charge to the class along with Superintendent CJ Cammack, who mentioned how proud he was that he had many of this class when he came to the district as an elementary school teacher.  Mayor Rob Schroder delivered a very appropriate speech on how special the class was and their future along with how special a community we live in.  That this community has over 40 thousand residents but still holds onto the quaint feel of a small town, where everyone knows each other.  He said that he hoped that many would stay in the community and give back with their citizenship to our community.

The National Anthem was sung by Keoni Gavieres who hit the high note perfectly to the crowds delight.  Senior class president Gabe Arditti then addressed his fellow students followed by Poems by Athens Sabaria, Ethan Hanks and Megan Loreto.  Ryan Hussey and Amy Yunis followed with honorary speeches.

 A beautiful rendition of the song was “Good Riddance” was offered by students Lela Smith and Chris Tuck.   The Salutatorian was Jack Fuller and the Valedictorians were Jason Frost and Robert Viano.

Principal Doppe then performed the introduction of the class of 2017, followed by the Presentation of the class by Tiffany Ciccone and Cathy Gregory.   Diplomas were then presented as the crowd of on lookers roared with total delight.

There was one thing that was different from past graduations – Normally the School Principal would ask the students to move their tassels but this year that honor was performed by the Senior Officers. 

One thing I missed although it was written in the program was the School song performed by the school band and sung the entire stadium.  For us older graduates in the crowd especially myself, a member of the class of 1973, it usually brings a tear to my eye and remembrance of the love and pride of my high school and the honor to have grown up in such as special place as Martinez.

The last thing Principal Doppe said was “Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog” this brought back the pride that all of us share.    

Let us all say together in perfect harmony … All Hail to thee, Alhambra your colors Gold and Blue; a mighty chorus let us raise, of praise and honor, too.  Come let us sing together one more time our ringing cry, all hail to thee Alhambra, all hail Alhambra High!

Submitted by:
David A. Rich, Gazette Columnist
www.AlhambraAlumi.org – to see over 200 pictures of the graduation.