'Change the world': Carlsbad High School celebrates 2022 graduation
Adrian Hedden
Riley Antiporda used his valedictorian speech to talk about movies.
Star Wars, Batman and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off all contained life lessons Antiporda hoped to impart on his classmates as they left high school.
But Antiporda did not plan to study film in college.
He intended to become an engineer but said he would always carry with him what he took from cinema, qualities like Luke Skywalker’s determination or Batman’s strengthen Antiporda said were crucial to any career path.
“Whatever it is that you’re interested in, don’t think you have to give it up to be responsible,” he said. “Take it with you. Take it to college and change the world.”
Hundreds of Carlsbad High School’s graduating seniors attended Antiporda’s speech during the 2022 commencement ceremony Friday at Ralph Bowyer Stadium.
The ceremony followed the graduation of Carlsbad Early College High School the same day held at the P.R. Leyva Auditorium.
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Salutatorian Kate Chester said she learned the day of graduation that life is far from flawless.
She pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which left the class of 2022 attending classes virtually, barred from many school activities and unable to socialize for months at a time.
“I wanted it to be perfect, but today was not perfect. That goes to show in life, not everything will be perfect. We’ve all been through a lot to get here, and I’m proud of all of us for making it.”
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Ahead of the student speeches, Carlsbad Municipal Schools Superintendent Gerry Washburn advised students to cut down on stress as they go through life.
“No matter what chapters you choose to write, you will all have a moment. Let’s call it a ‘Holy excrement, what am I going to do?’ moment. I wish I could say you will only have one of those moments. How you choose to live your life will determine how many you have.”
Washburn encouraged graduates to give back to their communities while also valuing themselves.
He said it was up to them what kind of life the students wanted to lead following graduation.
“Life boils down to service,” Washburn said. “Service to others, service to self and service to a higher power. When you choose to serve others, to serve the god of your choice, life can be an amazing experience.
“Choose wisely.”
Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter.