‘There is so much more for us.’ Merced County celebrates high school class of 2023

The class of 2023 graduates were celebrated with commencement ceremonies s at high schools throughout Merced County on Thursday night.

The Merced Union High School District honored more than 2,400 graduates during ceremonies held at Merced, Golden Valley, El Capitan, Atwater, Buhach Colony and Livingston high schools.

Each graduate had a turn to walk across the stage after their name was called to accept their diploma as family and friends cheered from the large crowds gathered at each site.

“We may be graduating high school but this is definitely not the end,” said Golden Valley student speaker Jessica Elias Mendez. “There is so much more for us to accomplish and conquer.”

The largest graduating class in Merced County belonged to Golden Valley with 467 graduates with Atwater close behind with 464.

Buhach Colony (441 graduates), El Capitan (417), Merced (386) and Livingston (285) all drew large crowds, as well.

“As we enter adulthood, there are many millions of forks in the road in front of us,” said Golden Valley student speaker Cooper Hansen. “And with the right perspective we can see clearly that these paths are opportunities. Each and every one of us here today has the ability to take these opportunities. We get to choose our own destiny.”