Photo by Deb Gau In her graduation speech, Annaka Hook encouraged members of the Tracy Area class of 2022 to look to their futures, and think about the kind of people they wanted to be. A total of 68 Tracy graduates received their diplomas Sunday.

TRACY — Sunday marked the end of their time in high school. But Tracy Area High School graduates said it was also a new beginning.

“Class of 2022, as we begin the next chapter of our lives, remember how our story is written is up to you,” graduate Annaka Hook told her classmates.

“Seniors, today is our day, but it is also everyone else’s who has helped us on this path,” said graduate Ian Her, in his opening remarks at commencement. “So walk with pride and keep your heads held high, not only for yourselves, but for those among us as well.”

A total of 68 graduates received their diplomas at Tracy Area High School on Sunday. Lauren Zick was named salutatorian, and Hook was named valedictorian.

During the commencement program, speakers looked to the past, present and future of the class of 2022. Today’s graduates have built up good memories going back over 12 years of school together, said Caitlyn Devereaux. Devereaux also recalled how she and her classmates left class for spring break in their sophomore year — and ended up being gone longer than anyone expected.

“Two weeks turned into the remainder of the school year,” she said. Getting through the COVID pandemic was a challenge, but the class of 2022 rose to it. “Looking at the students gathered on this stage, it turned out pretty good in the end.”

In reflecting on the graduates’ present, Lauren Zick turned to their class motto: “Carpe Diem,” Latin for “seize the day.”

“It is used to urge someone to make the most of the present time and give little thought to the future, to live in the moment,” Zick said. “One way to do this is enjoying the little things, and celebrating the small victories we have every day. Seemingly small victories can add up to feeling like big victories. They are what help to keep us motivated, even when things seem rough.”

Graduates encouraged each other to make the most of a new chapter in their lives.

Hook urged her classmates to ask an important question as they embarked on their futures.

“Class of 2022, who do we want to be? I challenge each and every one you to have integrity, be responsible for your actions, have an optimistic mindset, and be kind to others in all your future endeavors,” Hook said.

Tracy Area High School Principal Kathy Vondracek also encouraged graduates to think about who they wanted to be in life, and choose to act accordingly.

“People will determine what kind of person you are by how you treat others,” she said. “Become that person who you want to be.”