The year 2023 marks a milestone for North Hollywood High School students as they prepare for their much-awaited graduation day. As they enter their final year, seniors are set to embark on whether it be college, trade school, or the workforce.

As the 2023 graduation day approaches, students at North Hollywood High School are filled with a mix of emotions. For many, it is a bittersweet moment as they prepare to leave behind the familiar hallways and classrooms they have called home for the past four years. They are excited to move on to the next phase of their lives, but the thought of leaving behind their friends and teachers can be overwhelming.

Thoughts like these are shared by Senior, Kimberly Carranza, “I feel sad to leave so many memories behind, memories with my friends and teachers.”
Similarly, Senior, Nataly Pastaukov is overwhelmed with the fact that, “It’s terrifying to me that soon with many friends I’ll have my last laugh, last hug, last hello, and last goodbye.

The graduating class of 2023 has faced unique challenges during their high school years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest. These challenges have made their graduation day all the more meaningful, as they celebrate their accomplishments in the face of adversity.

For some students, graduation day represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. They have spent countless hours studying, completing assignments, and participating in extracurricular activities to earn their diploma. The thought of finally receiving their diploma is both exciting and nerve-wracking.

Brie Almeida expresses that, “Now that the frantic feeling of grades and finals are out of the way, we finally get to do what we’ve been working towards, getting across that stage and getting that diploma.”

Some students like Nataly Pastaukov, feel it hasn’t hit them yet, “The reality of it all hasn’t settled in yet, and I don’t think it will until I grab my diploma and sit back down with it.”

Others are filled with a sense of nostalgia as they reflect on the memories they have made during their high school years. From football games to prom, these students have shared countless experiences with their classmates, forming bonds that will last a lifetime.

Carranza relishes in the fact that, “ I will forever cherish the many fun moments I spent together with my teachers in their rooms, and the endless laughs I have shared with my classmates throughout all my 4 years in high school.”

Despite the mix of emotions, one thing is certain: the Class of 2023 is ready to take on the world. They have been well-prepared by their teachers and mentors, and they are eager to make their mark on the world. As they walk across the stage to receive their diploma, they do so with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that they have worked hard to get to this moment.

The graduation ceremony promises to be a momentous occasion, one that these students have been eagerly awaiting for years. After four years of hard work, dedication, and rigorous academic standards, they have finally made it to the finish line.
With caps and gowns at the ready and family members and friends eager to witness their achievement, the

Class of 2023 is poised to celebrate their accomplishments together.

Senior, Jeremiah Ortega, says it’s sort of like an epiphany, “I’ve gotten close with others and seeing all of us walk the stage is a big thing.”

The graduation ceremony will also mark a bittersweet farewell to the high school years and the friends and teachers that made it special.

For many students, North Hollywood High School has been a second home, a place where they have grown and learned valuable life lessons that will continue to guide them in their future endeavors.

For Senior, Nathaniel Rhine, he has certainly found sanctuary at NHHS, “I’ve made a lot of memories especially in football. Like all my friends that I’ve made and like the family hood type.”

As these graduates move on to college or enter the workforce, they take with them the values and skills instilled in them at North Hollywood High School. They will undoubtedly have a competitive edge, well equipped to face challenges ahead and pursue their goals with determination and drive.

Almeida states, “So many new opportunities come along after this huge milestone, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for all of us.”

The Class of 2023 has proven to be a remarkable group of young individuals who will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on the world. We wish them all the best as they embark on their next adventure and congratulate them on their well-deserved achievement.

update: photos of NHHS graduation will be posted on the night of 6/9