After a year of ups and downs, twists and turns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BOHS seniors will experience an in-person graduation on June 3 at 6 p.m. 

Seniors can expect a 70-minute graduation event at the stadium, with chairs distanced to follow guidelines and keep graduates and participants safe. Seating areas will also be added to the track area to allow up to four members of each household to attend the ceremony.  Those who can’t make the event will be able to watch a live stream of the event. 

“I am super excited that the class of 2021 will have the opportunity to share this rite of passage together as an entire class,” Pam Valenti, Co-Activities Director expressed. “It is a special time and they have gone through so much together.” 

Kara Dietz, Co-Activities Director, added, “We are excited to be able to hold an in-person graduation for our seniors to create a memorable experience for them and their families.” 

BOHS Wind Ensemble will perform “Pomp and Circumstance” at the ceremony, with a welcome and pledge by Senior Class President Brylee Denbo. Choir seniors will sing the “National Anthem,” followed by the Salutatorian and Valedictorian Addresses, special remarks, a performance featuring United Choirs of Brea seniors, and the conferring of diplomas.

As tradition, speeches from the ASB President Allison Fong, Senior Class President Brylee Denbo, Senior Salutatorian Jackie Piepkorn, and Senior Valedictorian Wilton Diep will be given throughout the ceremony.

To prepare for the speech, Piepkorn has been practicing in front of her family. “I’m a little nervous about sounding corny but I’m hoping Academic Decathlon has prepared me for my biggest public speech yet,” Piepkorn said. She remembers being “really eager” to graduate from high school at the start of the school year, and is “optimistic about the future” after high school.

Seniors who successfully completed their career pathway, such as Cinematic Arts, Patient Care, and Graphic Design, will wear the designated color cord for achieving 60 credits in the pathway.

With designated areas for students, stations will be spread throughout the stadium to allow students to pick up their diplomas, enabling social distancing and increased capacity. Rebecca Park, Valedictorian, is not worried about the large crowd of people attending graduation. “I know most people are already vaccinated or will be vaccinated by graduation, so I’m hoping everything will go alright,” Park said.

After the graduation ceremony, the Class of 2021 Boosters will host “Senior GRAD NITE,” a celebration where seniors can enjoy food, games, and entertainment to finish off their high school career. 

Dr. Josh Porter, principal, is confident that “this year’s graduating class will go on to be one of the strongest and most influential” with how much seniors have had to overcome these past two years.