Edison High School Class of 2022 has a record 115 valedictorians

FRESNO

Edison High School’s class of 2022 sat proudly in the middle of the Save Mart Center on Monday afternoon (June 6) ready for its commencement ceremony with an incredible and record-breaking 115 valedictorians.

“Blood, sweat, tears, hours of procrastination on the ticking clock and sleeping with their cameras off paved the way for this moment,” said speaker Braylen Gonzales, who graduated from valedictorian with distinction.

“Today we are here at one of the happiest times of our lives. wondering what’s next? There’s no card, no 13th grade. Our lives have already begun,” said said Gonzales “The COVID-19 pandemic will go down in history as one of the most notable events in the world and we, the Class of 2022, are living through history.”

While in some form the pandemic had caused so much loss to each of them, Gonzáles said, “We gained something precious. Through these difficulties, we learn that anything is possible and with these limitless possibilities, pursuing our dreams and aspirations is effortless.

For instance, summa cum laude valedictorians Alina Alonzo will attend Fresno State where she will major in political science while Leslie Arredondo will go to the Campuswide Honors Collegium Program at UC Irvine and Julio Castillo will attend UC Berkeley, majoring in economics and minoring in philosophy .

All three earned a 4.32 GPA, the highest possible grade point average.

Arredondo plans to major in biological sciences in hopes of one day becoming a geneticist specializing in forensic genealogy.

Arredondo’s favorite memory in high school was advocating with the superintendents of the Fresno Unified School District and the Central Unified School District for a new policy change.

After graduating from college, Castillo plans to become a financial advisor or anything related to the world of finance.

“We, the Class of 2022, can aspire to be anything. And with that knowledge, we look forward to the better future the world has to offer,” Gonzales said. “Tomorrow, each of us will begin our individual lives creating diversity and identity to show the world who Edison High Class of 2022 is.”

And among those beginning their brighter future is Eduardo García, also valedictorian summa cum laude, who will attend Smithcamp Family Honor College at Fresno State where he will major in biology. García hopes to attend medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Through Edison’s Biomed Pathway, García had the opportunity to explore his medical interest during his four years in high school.

“The real world can sometimes be difficult. But with those challenges come the rewards of growth and prosperity,” Gonzales said, adding that Edison and their families prepared them “for those future obstacles. Today, together, we are like one multi-striped tiger. Now, I don’t know about you guys, but after the ceremony, I definitely feel 22. Thank you.

Edison High School

June 6, 2022

SaveMart Center / Fresno

Latin inscription: 70.1%

Latino Summa Cum Laude winners: Alina Alonzo, Leslie Arredondo, Julio Castillo, Eduardo Garcia, Lily Garcia, Natalya Gonzáles, Kimberly González, Daniel Leal, Vanessa López, Alexsandra Martínez Tinoco, Andrea Navarro Macias Ochoa, Brianna Sotelo, Naylene Velasquez, Karla Zalapa.

Underline: This year, Edison High School’s Class of 2022 graduates had an impressive 115 valedictorian majors, including 35 summa cum laude majority — 4.32 GPA — recognized on stage.

Quotation: “Let me be clear, with independence comes responsibility. …. Your future decisions will impact the quality of life for years to come,” said Edison High School Principal José Luis Muñoz.