The following is a press release from Jesse Dubois, Klamath Promise.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - On June 2, 2022, the Klamath Promise Graduation Sensation Parade and Party in the Park returned to live and in-person in downtown Klamath Falls. Over 500 graduating high school seniors donned their caps and gowns to parade down Main Street, then joined together in Veterans Park for the largest graduation celebration on the West Coast.

Ray Holliday emceed the event, with Klamath Union High School’s Digital Media students providing the music and sound, Henley High School Choir performing the national anthem, and Judge Alycia Kersey sharing keynote remarks. 

Nearly $25,000 in scholarships and awards were distributed to 74 lucky winners in less than 25 minutes. Awards were given to graduates going on to college, into the military, directly into the workforce, and to those that were undecided. All scholarships and awards were locally raised with 100% of the funds going directly to local students. 

2022 Graduation Sensation Award Donors:

• Windermere Real Estate

• Susan & Ray Holliday

• Pelican Education Foundation

• Klamath County School District

• Klamath County Commissioners

• Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors

• Klamath County Chamber of Commerce

• Klamath Community College

• Holliday Jewelry

• Healthy Klamath - Blue Zones Project

• Glenn & Ursula Gailis

• EagleRidge High School

• David & Holly Stork - Stork Service Scholarship

• Dana Orr, The Lending Lady of the Klamath Basin

• Anonymous

The Graduation Sensation is made possible by the generous donors and the willing army of local organizations and volunteers that make the magic happen for our students. Special thanks to all the Graduation Sensation supporters and volunteers: 

• All of the teachers, principals, and school leaders chaperoning the students!

• Klamath Falls Police Department, Res. LT Robert Mulcare and the reserve police officers

• Klamath Union High School Band

• Mazama High School Band

• Henley High School Choir

• Baxter the KCC Badger

• All of the High School Mascots!

• Farm School graduates-to-be

• Klamath County School District Office: Glen Szymoniak, Jeff Bullock, and transportation office

• Chris Howard, Karla Clark, Brain Robin, and Jacquie Jacquette from SOESD

• Glenn and Ursula Gailis

• Holly Stork

• Patty Card

• Judge Alycia Kersey

• Ray Holliday

• Heather Tramp

• Wendy Brown and Marci Bryant from ODHS

• Friends of the Children staff, especially Crystal Muno running the photo booth

• Klamath Tribes Education and Employment staff

• Bill Jennings and Oscar Herrara from Klamath Community College

• Dan Stearns and the Klamath Union Digital Media Students

• Citizens for Safe Schools Staff

• Foster grandparents volunteers and Lisa Bertash

• Princess Ostia-Oleribe from Cascade Health Alliance

• Billy Redd from Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union

• Klamath Falls City Streets Department, Joe Pridemore

• Klamath Falls City Parks Department, Terry Sullivan

• Trevor McClung Construction

• Baney Corporation

• City of Klamath Falls Administration

• Mayor Carol Westfall

Thank You Table Rock Stars: Jill O'Donnell, Renae Wood, and Charlene Shaw. All of our amazing scholarship and awards donors. All others who pitched-in, picked-up, set-up, stepped-up, or cheered for our kids!

Award recipients