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FOLSOM – As the hot early summer sun faded into a golden sunset below the hilltop outside of Eagle Stadium, Vista del Lago High School celebrated the Class of 2025 with its official graduation ceremony Friday night. Despite a one-hour delay due to excessive heat, the stadium filled with shade and water packing families, faculty, friends, and some 400 graduates eager to mark the close of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Associated Student Body President Meilani Lea Soliven opened the ceremony with a heartfelt welcome. “I would like to welcome and thank the families, friends, faculty, and guests for being here today and for always supporting the Class of 2025.” She introduced the Folsom Cordova Unified District leaders in attendance, including Assistant Superintendent Jim Huber, Director Elena Cabrera, Board Vice President Cara Lofthouse, and board members YK Chalamcherla and David Reid. Soliven also introduced members of the Diversity Council: Anaushka Bhatt, Rachel Ho, Matthew Hosier, and Mahiba Kandakar, who together shared in the delivery of the ceremonial land acknowledgment honoring the Miwok and Nisenan tribes.
The opening of the ceremony continued with a performance of the national anthem by senior vocalist Vanessa Zhang and the orchestra led by Ms. Matzstul. As notes drifted into the warm air, the graduates stood tall, united in anticipation and pride.
The evening started off with emotions as Principal Dr. Kimberly Moore stepped to the podium. Her voice steady, yet emotional, it was then that Moore shared that this would be her final graduation at Vista del Lago after 18 years of service to the school in different roles
“I stand before you this evening, not only sending the Class of 2025 off on their next adventure, but also embarking on my own,” Moore said.
She then recounted her early days at Vista, including her interview for a teaching role with her three-month-old son strapped to her in a baby sling. “Just last week, I watched him walk across the stage at his own high school graduation,” she said. “It feels only fitting to me that I began my Vista journey with him, and now, just like him, I’m stepping beyond the comfort of my home of 18 years and heading into what’s next.”
Her message focused on resilience through discomfort, echoing themes that permeated many of the evening’s speeches. “We don’t grow in the easy moments when everything is going smoothly and we feel completely in control. We grow when we’re stretched, when we’re unsure, and we’re forced to step outside of what’s comfortable and familiar,” she said.
“Think back about your first day of freshman year at Vista. Think back about the nerves, the confusion, and the uncertainty of the first time being on a school campus full-time in over a year. Every single one of those things felt uncomfortable and difficult in the moment, but they all made you stronger.”
“Class of 2025, I’ve watched you adapt. I’ve seen your resilience, your kindness, your perseverance. You’ve supported one another, pushed yourselves, and continued to soar, even when it was uncomfortable. If you carry that same courage into your future, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.”
With emotion in her voice, she closed: “I too am scared of what’s next after Vista, but it’s time for both of us to leave the comfort of the nest, because that’s where growth begins. Congratulations, Class of 2025. We are so proud of you.”
Valedictorian Jayana Nanayakkara followed with an address, blending humor with gratitude. “Just like many of you guys, I recently turned 18. So of course, on my birthday, I had to buy my first lottery ticket,” she said, prompting a chuckle from the audience.
But her story quickly deepened. “Back in Sri Lanka, my parents, who are sitting in the stands right now, won the green card lottery, giving me the chance to immigrate to the United States and the privilege to study at Vista del Lago High School with all of you amazing graduates.”
Nanayakkara reflected on the risks and choices that defined their high school years. “Some of us marveled at the production of ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ in our freshman year and dared to audition the following year, even with fears of embarrassment. Others took an AP class as an underclassman, risking failure… Some took an art class just to fulfill a VAPA requirement, only to emerge with newfound passions and even artwork displayed at the U.S. Capitol.”
“Our gambles have made a lasting impact on this campus,” she said. “We’ve created new divisions in student government, including campus outreach and the Diversity Council. We’ve made history in athletics and stood out in academic competitions. Graduates, we’ve witnessed how far a gamble can take us. Keep gambling. Do not leave a single chance untaken.”
Fellow valedictorian Rahul Puritipati brought levity and insight to the stage, opening with, “Could 100 unarmed humans take down one gorilla in a fight?” As he class laughed at his question, he pivoted to his own answer to it: “High school has taught us when to be that gorilla, standing firm against impossible odds, but also when to be a part of the 100 united.”
He focused on the power of unity and collective resilience: “Through AP exams, International Night, and moments of exhaustion and triumph, we learned to lean on one another. Balance strength with togetherness.”
Senior Class President Emily Brainerd took to the podium next with a story from her childhood. “Growing up, I often went mountain biking with my family. No matter how hard I pumped my little legs, I always seemed to fall behind,” she recalled. “I cried to my dad, ‘No matter how hard I try, I just can’t keep up.’ And my dad told me something I still think about to this day. He said, ‘Ride your own ride. It doesn’t matter how fast anyone else is going, as long as you’re moving forward.'”
Brainerd then continued her commentary into the last four years. “Throughout high school, it’s easy to compare myself to others… Between test scores, college acceptances, and awards, it was hard to focus on my own ride. But if you focus too hard on someone else’s path, it’s easy to lose sight of the path beneath you.”
“As we start our new chapter, it is my hope that you all ride your own ride, that you follow the path that you’re destined for. Each day is a new day, a new chance to count your blessings and enjoy the journey with those that you love.”
The ceremony also featured a rendition of Noah Kahan’s “You’re Gonna Go Far” by senior music students, capturing the emotions of both reflection and anticipation.
Moore then returned to the stage to officially present the graduates to the Board of Education.
The ceremony also included moments of recognition for students earning top academic honors, including valedictorians and National Honor Society graduates, as well as those committing to military service. Each acknowledgment brought warm applause from the audience, a reflection of the diverse paths and commitments shaping the Class of 2025.
The Class of 2025 also included a distinguished group of valedictorians honored for their academic excellence: Tyler Bolyard, Madeleine Gentry, Austin Hoekstra, Matthew Hosier, Marcus Leong, Jayana Nanayakkara, Rucha Purankar, Rahul Puritipati, Siri Rao, Mia Schulze, Ritvik Singh, Leelamruth Thoppireddy, and Bryan Zhang.
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