According to Hemet High School’s (HHS) website, HHS was originally founded in 1894, and has been at its current location since 1972. During this long history, HHS has held the tradition of the Daisy Chain.

The Daisy Chain comprises the top 24 students in the junior class with the highest GPAs. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a daisy chain as a string of daisies with stems linked to form a chain.

The honored students line the entryway for the graduating senior class, handing out daisies to all of the seniors as they make their way to their seats for their commencement ceremony.

This year, out of the 24 students, there are four who have attended Idyllwild School in the past, three of which are Hillbillies.

A Hillbilly is a student who consistently attended Idyllwild School from kindergarten through eighth grade.

These four students are Katelyn Sonnier, Joel White, Rosalind Gong and Jessica Ruelas.

The HHS counselor who has overseen three of the four Idyllwild students is Idyllwild local Dawn Sonnier. Sonnier also grew up in Idyllwild and has helped countless students achieve their goals while they’ve attended HHS.

Sonnier spoke with the Town Crier saying, “There are 557 juniors this year, which means this is the top 4% in the junior class. I am so honored to see our Idyllwild kids blossom. It’s a kudos to our elementary and middle school teachers.”

One of the four honored Idyllwild students, Katelyn Sonnier, explained how her bond is strong with her fellow honorees.

“We always push each other to do better,” Katelyn said. “I think it’s pretty cool, but it’s kind of sad because I don’t know if we’re going to have a graduation. It’s cool to be a part of it.”

Congratulations to these top four Idyllwild students.