It's a 'beautiful new day' for Rocklin grads

In joyful unison, Rocklin High Senior Ensemble members urged their fellow graduates and hundreds in attendance upward to declare "It's a beautiful new day, hey, hey!" The enthusiastic rendition of Electric Light Orchestra's "Mr. Blue Sky" was among the most endearing moments of the Rocklin High School 2019 Commencement ceremony last Friday night. During his welcome address, Associated Student Body President Tucker Bohatch lauded praise on family, friends and Rocklin High School staff. To his fellow graduates lined up in front of him, Bohatch began by saying three simple words. "We made it," Bohatch said. "Not only did we make it but got here together because of the hard work we put in these last four years. And we survived by giving each other the support that we needed. I can not have picked a better group of people to call my peers, classmates and, most importantly, my friends. It's crazy to think our adventure is over." While last Friday's celebration focused on the accomplishments of the last four years, graduate Adarsh Venkateson turned his attention to the future during his inspirational message speech. "As incredible as the last four years have been, part of that journey is the end," Venkateson said. "The end of our high school career marks the beginning of a new era. An era of endless opportunities. Many of us here will be pursuing academic interests in some of the finest institutions in the country. Many of us will be entering the workforce and awakening our inner entrepreneurial spirit. And many of us will be joining the military and defending this great nation. Yet, regardless of your path after tonight, I urge each and every one of you to follow your passions and pursue your dreams." According to the Rocklin High School Commencement Ceremony program, 467 students received diplomas. The 2019 valedictorians were Lori Danielson, Jacob Kindley, Connor Rapelje, Neel Gupta, Jane Lee, Kristen Smyth, Pranit Khurana, Jean Lee and Tyler Wong.