Lorain High class of 2023 celebrated for dedication, tenacity

LORAIN — Lorain High School graduated a stadium full of athletes, musicians, artists and Titans on Tuesday at George Daniel Field. Celestino Oquendo-Richey — better known as "CVO" — recognized the staff that helped each senior get across the stage that evening, and the friends and family who pushed them along the way. The young musician, who played the national anthem on the flute at the start of the ceremony, gave a special shout-out to single parents in the audience Tuesday evening. He, like his older brother, Pablo Oquendo II, Lorain High class of 2021, will be attending Central State University on a presidential scholarship. He credited his achievements in part to everything his mother has done for him — and the drive she had to keep pushing even when it felt like she was alone. That dedication pays off, he said. He implored his fellow graduates, and those gathered in the stands, to strive to become the person they dream of being. Valedictorian Miguel Wilson congratulated his classmates on facing challenges head-on to reach the milestone Tuesday's ceremony marked. Lorain is a strong, diverse community, he said, and those making up the International City are willing to help the class of 2023 whenever its members hit an obstacle. Those same people will test graduates' limits, he said. The speech he gave was from others pushing him, and him allowing himself to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, he said. Salutatorian Brooklyn Calez kept her remarks short, noting the challenges her fellow Titans have faced over the past 12 years together — including the COVID-19 pandemic shuttering the school during the latter half of their freshman year. But for all those challenges, they made it, and she was excited to see what the future held. Quoting Drake, she told the graduates to "Live for today, plan for tomorrow (and) party tonight." Senior representative Karen Gallegos said every day her classmates impress her with their resiliency and determination. While Lorain may not always be viewed in the best light, that has never deterred the class of 2023. "We, as a community, have never let opinions get in the way of achieving our goals," she said. Instead, they've used those negative assumptions as fuel to prove others wrong. Gallegos said she would not be standing at that podium without her parents, who immigrated from Mexico to give her and her brother everything. She shared some wisdom she'd gained from her family. While graduating high school was not an easy accomplishment, it is not the end of their journey, but the beginning. "This is your life, your happiness, your time," she said. "So never let anyone or anything distract you from achieving your dreams." High School Principal Melissa Cheers was once where the 361 graduates stood many years ago, she said and shared the excitement felt in the stadium as the class of 2023 walked across the stage. After 2020 turned their high school experience on its head, it left her in awe of their tenacity to finish what they started, she said. "Against all odds, each one of you demonstrated the ability to adapt to the toughest of circumstances and tap into your greatness," she said. "… I cannot wait to see what this will propel you to accomplish next." She also acknowledged the 11 students graduating with the Ohio Department of Education biliteracy seal; 18 students graduating with the Ohio Department of Education Honors Diploma and 63 students who earned their associate degree through Early College prior to graduation. Contact carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chronioclet.com.