Tracy Press

 
This morning, 440 seniors graduated in a ceremony at Peter B. Kyne Field.

Tracy seniors Amanda Barnwell (left) and her sister Danielle celebrated on the stage after receiving their diplomas during the 93rd commencement at Tracy High this morning. Glenn Moore/Tracy Press

Tracy High’s G. Nolan Emery talked to his fellow classmates as he presented the student speech during. Glenn Moore/Tracy Press

Brothers Fernando (left) and Adalfo Orozco cheer on Susie “Sussu” Miranda as they look on during the 93rd commencement at Tracy High. Glenn Moore/Tracy Press

Pat Anastasio made his last speech as principal to the graduating class as he presided over graduation. Glenn Moore/Tracy Press

Exactly 43 years after his own graduation from the city’s oldest secondary school, Tracy High School Principal Pat Anastasio wished success to the 440 Class of 2008 graduates during the school’s 93rd annual commencement this morning.

While the students in his charge graduate to begin their careers, Anastasio said, today marks the near-end of his own.

“At long last, the day has come,” he told the 2,000 attendees packed into the stadium at Peter B. Kyne Field today.

He said if there’s one thing he has to impart to the graduates, it’s that one’s attitude “will make or break you.”

For many receiving their diplomas today, it was their attitudes that made them into academic successes.

New grad Benjanique Petty plans to become a first-generation college student. Her family erupted in shouts of support as the 17-year-old, clad in the school’s green gown and clutching her matching cap against the persistent breeze, walked past them on the field on her way to accept her diploma.

“We’re so proud,” her mom, Latonzia Parker, shouted giddily. “She’s just brilliant. She did this all on her own. I had to work, and she did this all on her own.”

Her story was one of many that teachers, classmates and family found inspiring.

Student speaker G. Nolan Emery, 18, spoke to his classmates about how much they’ve grown since they first set foot on campus four years ago as timid freshman students.

“Four years later,” he said, “we’re no longer high schoolers, but we are still proud to be Bulldogs.”

Their high school career, he said, didn’t just build their character but also revealed it and readied them to take the next steps in life, as adults.

It may feel weird for school not to define life the way it had for four years, he told his graduating class.

“Our day doesn’t end at 3, anymore,” he said, “and we are no longer surrounded by our friends.”

But he said he believes he and his fellow students would always “rise to the challenge … like a Bulldog.”

That school was sometimes a struggle prepared the hundreds of graduates gathered this morning to overcome future hardship, Tracy Unified School District Superintendent Jim Franco said.

“You are here because you had the courage, the tenacity to complete high school,” he said, sporting a baseball cap adorned with the school’s Bulldog mascot. “You now enter the world educated.”

Tracy High valedictorian Lindsey Sharpe, 17, and salutatorian Theresa Hoang, also 17, presented their fellow graduates with scholarships and recognitions.

• To view a complete list of Tracy High School graduates, visit ourtown.tracypress.com. We want to hear what you have to say. To reach Tracy Press reporter Jennifer Wadsworth, call 830-4225 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Tracy High valedictorian Lindsey Sharpe (left) and salutatorian Theresa Hoang battled the gusty winds as they led the class of 2008 onto Peter B. Kyne Field. Glenn Moore/Tracy Press

Tracy High Class of 2008 at the 93rd commencement at Tracy High this morning. Glenn Moore/Tracy Press

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written by Kathi , June 01, 2008

Congratulations THS Bulldogs Class of 2008!

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written by Dog , June 03, 2008

and 440 added to the unemployment rolls.