Graduates of 2005 leave their mark
On Thursday, the faculty and staff of Yosemite High School graduated the largest class in school history
BY DAVID RICHARDS - EDITOR@SIERRASTAR.COM

DAVID RICHARDS
Members of the Yosemite High School Class of 2005 have excelled in both academics and athletics. Above, one graduate acknowledges her class by leaving a mark on her graduation hat. For more pictures, see below

At the Yosemite High School football stadium Thursday, with friends and family looking on, members of the YHS Class of 2005 trekked in.
With 23 valedictorians and 288 seniors, the group marked the largest graduating class in the school’s 29-year history.

The students received their diplomas after roughly nine months filled with both academic and athletic accomplishments.
“Arguably this has been the best year in the history of YHS when you look at the achievements of our students,” said YHS Principal Steve Raupp.

Yosemite High School was recently named one of California’s Distinguished Schools and the athletics department achieved the coveted Ginsburg Award for the 10th time in school history, given to the school in the league that accumulates the most points in varsity sports throughout the school year.

In addition, this year’s class has also seen the opening of the Baker Swim Complex on campus, renovations to the school’s football stadium and track and the completion of the new performing arts center.

Valinda Clevenger, who started the Yosemite High School volleyball program, is now a counselor and has been in attendance at every YHS graduation, made it clear that while some things have changed since the school’s formation, other things have not.

“The growth has been amazing, but the character and warmth of our students hasn’t changed,” she said. “I saw many of their parents graduate.”

The 2005 graduation ceremony began with performances by the YHS Wind Ensemble and the YHS Chamber Singers before Principal Raupp welcomed all of those in attendance as well as addressed the graduating seniors.

“You leave Yosemite High School with a legacy that is unmatched,” he said.

In addition to Raupp and Yosemite Joint Union High School District Superintendent Bill McCabe, speeches were given by seven graduates, including ASB President Ashley Holmes, ASB Vice President Janelle Hendrickson, Class Speaker Sean Ratchford, Valedictorian Speakers Melissa Springer and Elizabeth Zielins and Senior President Chase McCabe and Senior Vice President Codee Cardoza.

In a musical performance, Jenna Barney and Casey Lucas combined talents to sing “Dare You to Move” by the band Switchfoot.

After the diplomas were handed out and the tassels were moved from one side to the next, the evening was capped off as a flock of blue and white balloons were sent into the air.

“It’s a celebration,” Principal Raupp said. “And you’re celebrating the success of kids as they go on to bigger and better things.”

Members of the largest graduating class in Yosemite High School history, numbering 288, flocked to the YHS football stadium Thursday to receive their diplomas. Above: Associated Student Body President Ashley Holmes shares a moment with a fellow graduate after delivering the student welcome with ASB Vice President Janelle Hendrickson.


Sean Ratchford addresses the crowd as Class Speaker. The YHS football stadium scoreboard is lit up in recognition of the YHS graduating class of 2005.


Jenna Barney and Casey Lucas sing “Dare You to Move” by the band Switchfoot during a musical performance at graduation.


The graduating class celebrates, while faculty and staff members look on, after graduation ceremonies wrap up.

Yosemite Joint Union High School District News