By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
The largest Yukon High School senior class in history will “cross the stage” during annual commencement exercises.
Some 616 members of the YHS Class of 2022 are eligible to receive their diplomas as the school year ends.
“This will be the largest class we’ve had graduate – ever,” YHS Principal Melissa Barlow said. “This is just a great group of kids and they’re excited about the future.
“That’s what we always instill in them – to be college- and career-ready – as we send them out into the world.”
Yukon’s graduation ceremony will be 7 p.m. Friday, May 20 at Miller Stadium, 1777 S Yukon Parkway.
This marks the third straight year that commencement will be presented at the football field – on the YHS campus.
“It’s such a great atmosphere for graduation,” Barlow said. “We’re really pleased to bring friends and family of our graduates to a ceremony in a place that means so much to these kids.
“Our number of graduates continues to rise as the Yukon school district grows.”
This will be Barlow’s ninth graduation ceremony as YHS head principal.
“This class has been through a lot over the last couple years,” she said of Yukon’s graduating seniors. “They have deserved and earned this honor.
“They’re ecstatic to reach this point in their high school career, and we’re excited to celebrate them.”
Some 22 members of the YHS Class of 2022 have earned the right to wear white robes for the graduation ceremony as this year’s top-ranked valedictorians.
To be eligible, a student must have a minimum 4.0 grade point average, score at least 29 on the ACT and take at least five AP (Advanced Placement) classes.
This group of high achievers is led by Kinley DeLeon, who will present the valedictory address.
Class President Abigail Joseph and Student Council President Alisyn Dunn also will speak during Friday night’s commencement.
Other YHS Class of 2022 officers are Vice President Arjumand Shafiq, Treasurer Isabella Wheeler and Secretary Yvette Perilla.
10 TICKETS PER GRADUATE
Principal Barlow is overflowing with anticipation to lead this year’s graduation ceremony.
“What a pleasure and honor it is to announce these students and to allow them to be recognized in front of their families,” she said.
Each YHS graduate will receive 10 tickets to invite people to the May 20th commencement program. Everyone who attends must have a ticket.
Friday night’s graduation will be livestreamed on Yukon Public Schools’ website and Facebook page.
Many members of the YHS Class of 2022 will participate in the Yukon Project Graduation celebration that follows commencement.
“Our students will load the busses around 10:30 p.m. and go out to Redlands Community College (in El Reno) to enjoy an outstanding night-long event celebrating with their friends,” Barlow said. “The kids really enjoy it.”
(Read more about the YHS Class of 2022 in the Saturday, May 14th and Wednesday, May 18th editions of The Yukon Progress)
