Pomp and circumstance echoed throughout Turlock this week as graduates from Turlock Christian High School, Pitman High School and Turlock High School celebrated the completion of their studies. While all the graduates worked hard to receive their diplomas, there was a student from each school who achieved the ultimate academic excellence and earned the title of valedictorian. THS grad Sarah Romo was named Bulldog valedictorian, while TC’s Cody Thompson gave a valedictorian address that had the audience in stitches. At PHS, Nolan Lok earned the prestigious honor thanks to his 4.6 GPA.

“To the class with the most Distinguished scholars Pitman has ever seen, thank you for learning and studying with me. Without those late-night Raley’s study groups, I would have failed significantly more tests,” Lok told his class. “And to my amazing teachers, thank you for teaching me what it means to be passionate about what you do. Your passion has not only been imbedded in me, it is imbedded somewhere within all of your students.”

"I know that I am in the spotlight, but I couldn't have possibly made it here or come close without my great friends that have stuck with me throughout high school, the old and the new, all of my teachers and coaches, my siblings Wyatt, Eva, and Emily, and most of all my amazing parents who are so incredibly supportive even when I'm not easy to deal with. I love you guys! Thank you for pushing me to be my best and I'm so excited for my next chapter in this life! Go Bruins!” said Romo.

For more pictures and a complete list of local high school graduates, look in the June 12 issue of the Turlock Journal.