The feet-pounding, air horn-blaring excitement that greeted Muzetta Thrower Adult Education graduates on Wednesday night was almost enough to drown out the processional tune of “Pomp and Circumstance.” Like most graduations, the atmosphere in the bleachers and on stage was one of overwhelming relief and accomplishment. But there was also an added sense of perseverance, resilience and adaptability among the students, many an education interrupted by the pandemic.
That adaptability came in handy yesterday when extreme heat required a last minute change in venue. Switching from a previous outdoor location, the graduates and their families instead brought their balloons and flowers to Harold Youngblood Gymnasium at Vacaville High School. Facing the flag at the back of the gym, Miss Teen Vacaville Mikayla Brito opened the ceremony by leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lead Teacher Andrew Clark then encouraged attendees to remain standing as he offered a moment of reflection for staff and students who had died this past year. This provided Clark an opportunity to pay homage to Muzetta M. Thrower just days after what would have been her 86th birthday on May 25.
In honor of Thrower’s inspirational legacy and guidance, Clark welcomed the inaugural graduating class of Muzetta Thrower’s Electrocardiogram Technician Program, the second graduating class of CALRegional Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Program, and “last but not least, our diploma graduates.” The 202.
