GHS seniors received their diplomas

The Gonzales High School Class of the 2022 took the stage at the Apache Field last Friday as they graduate.

205 seniors walked the stage as they received their diplomas.

The class of 2022 received over a million dollars in scholarships; $173,000 for local scholarships, $508,000 in external scholarships, and $360,000 in military scholarships.

Brooklyn Simper and Genevieve Kelley were the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the class of 2022, and both spoke to their fellow graduates.

“I would like to begin by thanking everyone for joining us at the celebration. On behalf of my classmates, thank you to every teacher, coach and faculty member.” Kelley said. “Y’all really shaped as individuals we are today, and if we could not have made it this far without you.”

The seniors went through a lot obstacles getting to graduation from Hurricane Harvey in eighth grade and their junior year the Texas Freeze and adjusting to the COVID-19.

“We have overcome these challenges in order to graduate today. These obstacles have taught us how to persevere while supporting one another and keeping a positive mindset” Simper said.

Simper used her injury she sustained during track as an example of pushing through obstacles.

“Instead of focusing on the opportunities I chose to help the track team where I find joy in helping my teammates to their very best. I was proud because at this moment I could have given up quitting altogether.” Simper said.

She encourages her fellow graduates to “keep striving for success, no matter what out past maybe and the future.”

“Zig Ziglar once said Fear F-E-A-R has two meanings. Forget everything and run or face everything and rise the choice is yours.” Simper said. ‘So the class of 22, I challenge you to rise and leave the running in the past.”