Franklin's graduation — the District's largest — kicks off Day 5 of EPISD's 2021 Graduation Season
(FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL June 19, 2021) — The graduating class of Franklin High School – the District’s largest – had its commencement ceremony Saturday morning at Baty-Simmang Stadium, kicking of Day 5 of EPISD’s Graduation Season.
The 633 graduates raked in more than $21 million in traditional scholarships and were lead on the field by valedictorian Emily Do and salutatorian Eleanor Schoenbrun, who also was named All-Franklin Girl and is one of EPISD’s six QuestBridge Scholars. All-Franklin Boy is Dylan Horner.
Do, who plans to attend St. Mary’s University this fall, took time to reflect on her high school, offering highlights year by year.
“Freshman year, we thought we were the bomb, we were finally high schoolers and had just emerged from an era of fidget spinners, bottle flips, and Pokémon GO,” Do said. Sophomore year, we had become accustomed to our classes, joined friend groups, and started to discover who we were. Junior year comes along and surprises us all. Amazingly enough, senior year flashed by and had proven to us that life truly does go on. Classes consisted of teachers and foreheads, club meetings were hosted online, and everybody applied to colleges with an uncertain future ahead. These unique experiences had shaped us into the resilient and intellectual individuals we are today.”
Schoenbrun, who plans to attend Yale University this fall, offered messages of thanks to her loved ones and others supporting her through the years.
“The most bittersweet part of today is that this is the beginning of something new, and what a triumphant ending we have here as we are joined by our loved ones near and far to celebrate our commencement,” Schoenbrun said. “More importantly, I do not want this to be goodbye. I hope to hear about everything you want to share. I am proud for you, for the people in your life that continue to support you, and all that we have left to accomplish.’
To watch a rebroadcast of the Franklin graduation, visit www.episd.org/live.
Photos by Leonel Monroy