Pioneer students celebrate graduation in Carson City

The theme of Pioneer High School’s 2016 graduation was recognition.

Fifty-six students graduated at the Carson City Community Center Wednesday night amongst loved ones and school district administration.

Principal Jason Zona, said because Pioneer isn’t a traditional place, he would make sure he gave a unique principal’s speech to match.

“Pioneer is a little outside the box, so that’s what we are going to do,” Zona said.

Instead of the typical “we are so proud of you speech,” Zona opted to instead show the attendees why the school administration was so proud of them. He picked students out of the class to recognize and brag about their accomplishments.

“As you face new challenges, continue to step forward,” Zona said. “Tonight is a celebrations of life, so continue to improve the community and yourselves. Go and live with honor, integrity and go out and change the world.”

He recognized the Valedictorian Chelsea Goss for maintaining the highest grade point average throughout her high school career. Zona also recognized the Salutatorian Nathan Hammock, who not only graduated with his high school diploma, but also graduated from Western Nevada College last week with an Associate’s Degree in science thanks to the Jump Start program.

Students recognized also included Khaslynne Andrews, Jazmyn Conde and Alyssa Hernandez in the Career and Technical Education program. The students participated in various HOSA competitions, mentoring programs and shadowed at hospitals while in school to further their career paths in the health science field.

“These ladies have broken new ground for us, the city and Nevada in the Health Science Career and Technical Education program,” Zona said.

Other students recognized by Zona were participants in the Jump Start, Jobs for American Graduates, and honors and advance degree programs. Also recognized were a variety of students who were in mentoring programs, earned scholarships for sports and academics and students who were going into the military after graduation.

“Pioneer has a wide variety of talents doing amazing things,” Zona said. “Congratulations students.”

JAG student Kailee Fiorica chose to recognize their milestones. She said they had overcome so many milestones in life: first learning to crawl, losing their first tooth, their first day of high school, and now accomplishing their goals of graduating.

“Remember to celebrate these milestones as we prepares for the days ahead,” Fiorica said.

“But we are all here today... whatever path you took in high school, you did it. We did it,”

Fiorica said they should be proud of themselves as graduation isn’t a milestone everyone gets over and because they did, they can do anything they set their mind to.

“This world isn’t going to change itself, be the change you wish to see in the world,” Fiorica said. “I know for a fact you can do it.”