The junior class received their class rings Feb. 27, marking the Class of 2025’s first step leading up to graduation. Out of 430 juniors, 64 students bought and were presented their rings at the event.

Rings represent a symbol of nostalgia to commemorate high school. Jostens, who offers the rings, provides the option of engraving rings with names, clubs and sports to add aspects of uniqueness to the ring. Symbols such as a microscope, a quill and a soccer ball are all common figures engraved on rings to represent passion for science, journalism or sports. Logos from societies such as HOSA and the National Honor Society are also available for engraving. 

The ceremony took place during second and third period, first starting with remarks from the principals, Mr. Osmel Rodriguez and Ms. Lana Buchalter. Then, class president Mathew Ruiz accepted his ring and proceeded to read the names of the rest of his classmates. Following the ceremony, students were able to eat a breakfast provided by Panera, along with their parents.

_{Juniors Surina Gadh (left), Haleh Afshani (middle) and Matthew Ruiz (right) receive their rings and pose at the arch. “It was truly a pleasure and honor to be able to receive my ring, given to me by Mr. Rodriguez,” Ruiz said. “It was really fun and great to be able to call everyone’s name up to the stage and shake their hand. An amazing ceremony that I’ll surely remember for a long time.” (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)}

_{Students shook the hands of vice principal Ms. Cashman, Josten’s representatives, Junior class president Matthew Ruiz and the two principals. Each student’s name was called individually and students were honored with their moment on stage. (Photo/Marisol Colarte-Delgado)}

^{After the ceremony, students and parents were invited to enjoy a breakfast provided by Panera Bread. The Patriot Patio remained open until fourth period for parents to socialize and talk. (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)}

_{Josten’s also brought an inflatable ring students were able to pose under with their newly gifted rings. Many students complete the tradition of the “turning of the ring” under this arch. This tradition has the graduating class turn the ring as many times as they are graduating (so for the class of 2025, 25 times). On the 25th turn, someone you love would turn it to symbolize the beginning of the journey to graduating. (Photo/Marisol Colarte-Delgado)}