Five hundred and twenty-two graduates of Watsonville High School filed across the stage at Geiser Field on the afternoon of June 6, putting to end the school year of 2024-25.
Prior to the ceremony — his second such year as principal — Joe Gergorio said, “I’m lucky to be here; it’s a great team of people that make this happen.”
Watsonville High School released a statement about three of their graduates, Janeth Marcos, Jennifer Fernandez-Zamora and Iker Ponce.
Janeth Marcos
“From the beginning of Janeth’s academic journey, she has proven to be a hardworking and committed student,” said counselor, Daisy Nuñez. “Rather than shying away from challenges, she actively seeks them out, demonstrating an admirable willingness to push her boundaries.”
Marcos completed dual enrollment courses, including Spanish 16, English 1A, and communication 1 at Cabrillo College, and she took English 2 during the last semester.
“Her extracurricular involvement, combined with her drive to become the first person in her family to attend a university, is a testament to her determination and ambition,” Nuñez said.
Janeth helps support her family by working at the local farmer’s market and selling flowers.
She has taken on leadership roles with Future Farmers of America (FFA) and attended conferences in Sacramento, Santa Maria, and Indianapolis.
Jennifer Fernandez-Zamora
“Jennifer is an intelligent, conscientious, motivated, and responsible student,” Nuñez said. “(During) Her sophomore year she was selected to participate in the Ivy League Project, a competitive program where only the top students are chosen. It is rare to be selected as a sophomore; she took advantage of this great learning opportunity.”
Jennifer has participated in various clubs on campus, where she holds a leadership position. Her leadership skills were evident in the Migrant Program Speech and Debate. She won 2nd place for extemporaneous speech in the regionals and 3rd place in the state with her debate team.
Outside school, Fernandez-Zamora participated in Girls Inc. After she completed the program, she was hired to facilitate a group of girls from the middle and high school.
Iker Ponce
“Iker is the perfect example of a disciplined student-athlete who goes above and beyond in school and academics,” Nuñez said. “His journey was marked by teamwork, positivity, and a genuine passion for making a difference.” He joined the Watsonville High Football team during his 9th-grade year, and he served as the captain for the past four years.
Through his participation in the sport, he gained skills in not only teamwork, but also in resilience, and maintaining a positive attitude, Nuñez said.
“As the team captain, not only would he uplift spirits but also motivate his peers to push beyond their limits, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie,” she said.
Iker took part in the “Summer in the City Internship” through the City of Watsonville, where he played a role in designing and implementing a drone program for the city. The project showcased his problem-solving skills and his ability to lead with innovation and vision.
