Taking the next step forward: Grads bow out this week

If the endless march of “Pomp and Circumstance” keeps running through your head this week, chances are it is not just nostalgia.

Graduates from most area high schools and California State University, Stanislaus will be taking that long-anticipated march Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

For Modesto City Schools, Downey, Davis, Gregori and Beyer high seniors stepped out into the world Wednesday night, filling stadiums at Downey, Johansen, Gregori and Modesto Junior College, respectively. MJC gave out diplomas April 28.

On Thursday night, Enochs and Johansen high school students will walk the stage at their campuses. Modesto High students will take a bow at the MJC stadium.

In Turlock, Stanislaus State will hold three commencement ceremonies. Bachelor degrees from the college of business administration and college of science will file in Thursday morning. That evening graduate degrees and credentials will be handed out.

On Friday morning the university will celebrate the achievement of undergraduates from the college of the arts, humanities and social sciences, and the college of education, kinesiology and social work.

Turlock’s Pitman High will hold its graduation Thursday night. Turlock High will play that tune Friday evening.

Oakdale High, Hughson High and Denair High seniors will also march Friday night.

Waterford High graduates take the stage Saturday night.

In Ceres, Central Valley High seniors will don gowns June 1 and Ceres High teens will do the same June 2.

The Class of 2017 from Patterson High in Patterson and Ripon High in Ripon will wave goodbye June 1. Orestimba High in Newman and Escalon High in Escalon will cheer on their seniors June 2.

This story was originally published May 25, 2017 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Taking the next step forward: Grads bow out this week."