The Kern High School District honored 57 of its best and brightest graduating seniors during its 10th-annual “First In Class” awards at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bakersfield.

Foothill High School valedictorian Arleth Munoz says she graduated with a 4.5 grade-point average.

“I didn’t think that I’d get through all four years of high school with honors,” she said. “It’s a pleasure to be here.”

Each student received a commemorative plaque and a $1,000 scholarship during Wednesday’s event.

– Anthony Pollreisz