YHS graduates 235 at ceremonies
The crowd gathered to wait, quickly filling the
bleachers at Yosemite High School’s football field. Some people utilized lawn
chairs brought from home, some settled on the grass, and the late-comers stood
wherever they could find room. It was Friday, June 8, graduation night for the
Class of 2001.
The graduating class, numbering 235 and said to be
the largest class in five years, walked two-by-two through an ivy-covered
lattice archway to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the YHS
Concert Band. They were preceded by members of the staff.
The long-awaited event was then heralded by the soft
low “C” note of a recording of Richard Strauss’ “Dawn” prologue to “Also Sprach
Zarathustra.”
As the rising sound of trumpets and solo timpani
beats ended with a full orchestral chord, the selection was recognized by most
as the opening theme to the movie, “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Several student leaders addressed the audience as
the nearly graduated anticipated the formal end to their public schooling;
ready to embark on exciting new journeys through life.
Camera flashes peppered the night air as the
graduates received their diplomas. Hugs and shouts were abundant as the student
officially ended their high school careers
The tassels having been turned to the right of their
hats, the graduates then jubilantly threw their hats and confetti into the air.
The repeated theme from “2001: A Space Odyssey”
reached as high as the hundreds of blue and white balloons released into the
air. The Yosemite High School graduating Class of 2001, their friends and
families, rejoiced as one.
The night had not yet ended for the graduates,
though, as the Sober Grad celebration was waiting for them at Sierra Lanes Bowling
Center.
Many prizes were awarded throughout the night,
including two cars. Kyle Robinson went home the winner of the 1987 Volkswagen
Cabriolet donated by Curt’s Auto Repair and Sales.
Shellie Key won the 1989 Toyota Camry donated by
Oakhurst Auto Center.
There will be more stories and photos on the
graduation of Yosemite High School’s Class of 2001 in Friday’s edition of the Sierra Star.