Pandemic, resiliency highlighted during Woodside High graduation

The Woodside High School Class of 2023 during their final moments as high schoolers on June 9, 2023. Photo by Natalia Nazarova

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Pandemic, resiliency highlighted during Woodside High graduation

The Woodside High School Class of 2023 during their final moments as high schoolers on June 9, 2023. Photo by Natalia Nazarova

Woodside High School's 383 graduating seniors walked across a stage on Friday morning, June 9, to accept their diplomas.

The school's 64th class, per tradition, celebrated commencement on Bradley Field, the Woodside school's football field.

Principal Karen van Putten said she shared a special bond with the students despite having only spent two of their four years of high school with them because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"You are not only survivors, but you are thrivers," she said.

Senior Melyna Como Garcia walks on a Bradley Field during Woodside High School's graduation on June 9, 2023. Photo by Natalia Nazarova

Valedictorian Benny Bogyo said in an address to the class that he'd prefer to gloss over the pandemic years of their high school careers, so he didn't trigger bad memories.

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Graduate Amanda Marcos described the class as the only grade that has experienced high school pre-, during and post-pandemic. The Class of 2023 moved to remote learning because of the pandemic in its freshman year.

The senior gift, revealed during the ceremony, is a giant orange Adirondack chair that will be placed outside of the school's library.

Graduates celebrated by spending their graduation night on a yacht in the Bay.

The ceremony was live streamed this year.

View the list of graduates here.

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Angela Swartz
 
Angela Swartz joined The Almanac in 2018 and covers education and small towns. She has a background covering education, city politics and business. Read more >>

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Pandemic, resiliency highlighted during Woodside High graduation

Woodside High School's 383 graduating seniors walked across a stage on Friday morning, June 9, to accept their diplomas.

The school's 64th class, per tradition, celebrated commencement on Bradley Field, the Woodside school's football field.

Principal Karen van Putten said she shared a special bond with the students despite having only spent two of their four years of high school with them because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"You are not only survivors, but you are thrivers," she said.

Valedictorian Benny Bogyo said in an address to the class that he'd prefer to gloss over the pandemic years of their high school careers, so he didn't trigger bad memories.

Graduate Amanda Marcos described the class as the only grade that has experienced high school pre-, during and post-pandemic. The Class of 2023 moved to remote learning because of the pandemic in its freshman year.

The senior gift, revealed during the ceremony, is a giant orange Adirondack chair that will be placed outside of the school's library.

Graduates celebrated by spending their graduation night on a yacht in the Bay.

The ceremony was live streamed this year.

View the list of graduates here.

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