JUNE 3 – JUNE 16, 2025
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'Once a Pirate, always a Pirate': SYHS graduates 211 in 2025 In front of a packed grandstand, senior class savors the memories, look to the road ahead during commencement ceremony By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
Community | Pg. 8 Veterans honored at annual Solvang Memorial Day ceremony
D
uring her first year as superintendent/principal at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Dr. Kimberly Sheehan said she noticed how so many alumni from the school are ready, willing, and able to support the current students although many "don't even still have students here." During her address at the school's commencement ceremony on Friday, May 30, she reminded members of the Class of 2025 to do the same. "Remember, once a Pirate, always a Pirate," Sheehan said, with the robed and capped graduates-to-be behind her. "The world awaits your greatness. Go out and get it! And someday return to give back to your home." Friends and family of the new graduates packed the grandstand on a sunny day at Rio Memorial Field as 211 students took the walk from the gym to their seats on the playing field to get their diplomas. Graduate Sophia Merz opened the ceremony by taking the podium
INSIDE
News Briefs . . . . . . . . . Pg. 2 • King, Mead to run for vacant Buellton City Council seat News . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 3 • Solvang City Council announces grant fund awards News . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 5 • Alma Rosa Winery Raises Over $256K at Sixth Annual 'Peace of Mind' Walk Education . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 8 • 'Pincher pride': Dunn School graduates 28 in Class of 2025
With the last diploma handed out, members of the Santa Ynez High Class of 2025 toss their mortar boards into the air at the end of the school's commencement ceremony on Friday, May 30. Photo by Mike Chaldu/SYVS
and welcoming the audience before leading everyone in the pledge of allegiance. She then handed the mic over to Opal Vander Vliet, who sang the national anthem. After, Grace Vazquez and Jacqueline Godinez came to the mic. Vazquez thanked the audience for
coming and then reminded spectators to refrain from using any noisemakers like air horns so people can hear their graduate's name called. That produced a few audible chuckles from the stands from some who doubted the rule would be completely followed. Godinez took the
floor to repeat those instructions in Spanish. Chloe Ann Perez was the first student speaker, and she began by looking back on the differences of the day compared to her and her classmates' starts as freshmen. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 12 • Pirates boys volleyball squad loses seesaw match in CIF State second round Arts & Nonprofits . . . . . Pg. 14 • Fossemalle Dance Studio adds new ballet teacher to their roster Lifestyles . . . . . . . . . Pg. 16 • DR. LEE: Addictions to sleep medications are common Events . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 19 • Government meetings and events