(JEFFERSON SILVA HIGH SCHOOL June 20, 2020) — The seniors of Jefferson High and Silva Health Magnet came together one last time to celebrate the collective accomplishments of both school and officially take their graduation walk on Saturday morning.

The class of 2020 includes Jefferson’s 223 graduates and another 164 from Silva. Combined, the classes earned nearly $1.4 million in scholarships.

Both valedictorians touched on the resilience of their respective classes and how it will ultimately lead to success.

“Becoming successful is not easy. It takes sacrifices, and if anybody says otherwise, they probably don’t deserve it,” said Jefferson’s valedictorian Carlos Carrete-Castellanos. “It all boils down to three defining characteristics: determination, responsibility, and perseverance. These traits will allow you to accomplish anything in life: climb the highest mountain, sail the deepest sea, and sometimes, just sometimes, even cross a border.”

He left his classmates with these words of wisdom: “Anyone can win a fight when the odds are easy, it's when the going gets tough, when there seems to be no other chance, that's when winning counts.”

His Silva counterpart, valedictorian Damini Patel also reminisced about the past four years balancing academics with extracurricular activities and high school fun. She referred to her fellow graduates as: “A class filled with resilience, humor, kindness, and humility that never fails to rise to the occasion. There is no doubt in my mind that each and every one of you will make a compelling impact on society.”

The ceremony also recognized Jefferson salutatorian Ania Odette Fierro and Silva salutatorian Karen Nevarez. During the year, the campuses named Gyan Narayan and Kennadi Trevino as the All Silva Boy and Girl, respectively; and Marcos Calleros and Leslie Muñoz as the All Jefferson Boy and Girl, respectively.

Nevarez introduced the traditional tassel turn, officially marking the moment the seniors became graduates and encouraged her classmates to toss a carnation into the air to commemorate the moment.

“We leave as a united Silver Fox family,” she said. “See you at the 10-year reunion.”