Class of 2021 Graduation Special

San Clemente Times June 10-16, 2021

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San Clemente Times June 10-16, 2021

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CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL SAN CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT SPEECH

San Clemente High Principal Chris Carter

BURSTING WITH PRIDE for Overcoming Challenges

BY SAN CLEMENTE HIGH PRINCIPAL CHRIS CARTER

T

oday, we come together to recognize the graduating Class of 2021. This commencement ceremony is particularly impactful for me—not only as your principal, but as a proud father of one of the graduates here today.

Families and loved ones, it is an honor to celebrate alongside you. It seems like only yesterday that these incredible young adults arrived in our lives.

Today, we have so many memories running through our minds: from first steps, to the first day of kindergarten, those sometimes painful and awkward middle school years, and now, high school graduation, the official transition to adulthood.

We have poured our hearts and souls into our children since the day they were born, always supporting their journey toward independence. This year was especially difficult as we witnessed our seniors having to forgo so many traditions and milestones; all we could do was support them through these trying times.

Triton of the Year Finalist Spencer Herbert reflected on what family means to him: “Family isn’t necessarily what you’re given, it’s what you make of the people around you. A family is comprised partially of biology, but its primary component is of those who care about you—whether bound close in our memories or here alongside us. Family

San Clemente Times June 10-16, 2021

is the quintessential structure of support, which was clearly validated this past year.”

Thank you, Spencer, for reminding us that the idea of a family goes beyond the home. We have had to come together as a Triton family many times over the past four years to support one another, and as part of this larger family, we have all dedicated our time and focus to ensure that all of our seniors are ready for whatever this world brings!

Students, you did not let this pandemic keep you down. You retooled and adapted so that you could continue to learn and achieve your dreams. Much like the great Michael Jordan once said, “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

ASB President and Triton of the Year finalist Lily Redmond sums it up: “Being a leader on campus this past year has proven to be a difficult task, but also one that has allowed us to grow and learn from the obstacles placed before us. Going forward, take the challenges we have faced and transform them into opportunities for success. From reimagining our senior year to forming new traditions, we have accomplished so much, and I am confident that we will only continue to adapt and overcome.

I couldn’t agree more, Lily! That is exactly what all of you did this past year, and in doing so, you have set Page 15

a strong foundation to continue your education at a college, or university, or to pursue careers in technology, auto, service, the arts, or the military.

Whatever you choose to do, as your life takes you to new horizons, always remember to use the tools you have gained through life and especially these past 15 months to adapt and embrace this change.

When given the green light to compete and perform, you tackled this opportunity with an energy that we have not seen before. Although your peers were not there to cheer you on, you managed to win 11 league titles and competed in CIF. Heck we still have teams competing.

For our performing arts, you held virtual concerts and dance productions, and we reenvision our upper campus making it into the greatest stage this campus has ever enjoyed. Pure ingenuity—that is what you created out of a difficult situation.

It is evident that these programs have had a profound impact on you, which is captured in our Triton of the Year Maxine Davey’s words: “My time with the girls soccer program and with the school newspaper have changed my life. I found a home that always lifted me up and a community that let me experience what it’s like to be valued and seen while working towards something bigger than yourself.”

Thank you, Maxine. Graduates, that is what your future is all about—working collectively to make a positive impact on the world around you.

Your perseverance and grit are beyond commendable, even in the face of challenging circumstances. Graduates, you stood firm in the conviction to do what was right while showing compassion and kindness to your fellow classmates.

Triton of the Year Finalist Riya Khetarpol reflects on the impact that our programs have had on her: “SCHS Drama is truly representative of the SCHS community—not only is everyone involved incredibly talented at their craft, but they are also the most encouraging, kind, and welcoming people I have ever met. Everyone deserves to find a community that supports and accepts them. Drama gave me the confidence to stand up and be a voice for change.

I will always be grateful for the amazing mentorship and lifelong friends that SCHS has given me.”

Thank you, Riya, for being a positive voice to ensure that SCHS is an inclusive community for all Tritons.

Today, although your time at San Clemente High School is ending, you are now Triton Alumni. Even if your life takes you far from home, you will forever be deeply connected to our wonderful city; the sense of belonging to our Spanish Village by the Sea will remain strong.

Triton of the Year Finalist Alika Ting leaves you with these final words: “Even if you don’t know where you’re going, I hope that you will find happiness in the journey there. Strive for not only excellence, but also kindness, warmth, and passion.

If you trust yourself and follow your heart, you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be and if all else fails, hopefully you may find yourself on a ranch with fluffy cows. And if you have never seen fluffy cows, Google it; you won’t be disappointed.”

Thank you, Alika, for your encouraging words. Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan stated, “Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt. Only by being open to change will you have a true opportunity to get the most from your talent.”

Graduates, we look forward to seeing you maximize your talent!

On behalf of the faculty and staff, we are so proud of you for successfully navigating the requirements and challenges of high school. You are surrounded by family and friends who are bursting with pride and joy at this milestone.

I join with them and the entire San Clemente community to offer our congratulations to the Class of 2021. sanclementetimes.com

CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL

San Clemente High School

CLASS OF 2021 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF GRADUATES PROVIDED BY SAN CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL

Emelia Aileen Aasland Lily Ann Ackerman-Coelho Marysol Acosta Mireles Cole Lee Adams Sierra Nicole Adams Chelsea Maxine Adel Annalyse Michelle Agosto Kira Naomi Aguilera Sean Akar Kiana Akers Michael Raul Allen-Hernandez Marisa Ann Alvarez Mia Alexis Alvarez Harrison Clay Ames Jacqueline Ann Ames Nick Ryan Amjadi Jenz Danial Ammerman Emily Brooke Anderson Hallie Ann Anderson Jarrod Thomas Anthony Khloe Beth Antonio Ava Aina Anunson Faye Alvin Verano Apostol Rylie Jewel Arata Bradley Kenneth Armstrong Austin David Arnwine San Clemente Times June 10-16, 2021

Corbin Thomas Ashe Kyle Evers Atkinson Aarom Steven Austin Hayes Delila Austin Carl Samuel Avalos Anne Marie Ayala Denis Alexander Ayala Caelib Ezra Bacolod Joshua Robert Baker Katelynn Jane Balloue Amber Leanne Bangalan Carlos Fernando Barajas Isabella Barbernell Maya Webber Basilio Cole Tyler Batson Sophia Sienna Battles Annelise Cecilia Becker Mason Diego Becker Nathan Tyler Beckley James Jackson Bell Mitchell Weston Bell Hayes Lilly Bellantonio Jeremy Michael Belvedere Noah Houston Benton Kevin Robert Bernier Grace Rey Bishoff

Thomas Michael Blackmore Luke Christian Blackwill Nicole Anne Blair Jadyn Mali Blake Matthew William Blakeborough Ashlynn Anne Blomker James Bohls Soulara Lynn Bojarsky Quinn Alaina Bojorquez Fatima Bonilla Marlen Bonilla Isabella Anne Bookataub Marisa Carleen Booth Ryan Matthew Boratynec Brooklyn Cynthia Borgquist Mia Bost Natalie Jade Bothwell Carson Boucher Charlotte Nicole Bradshaw Gisele Irene Brandt Nicolas Alexander Breen Nathan Michael Bretado Chloe Ann Britton Brooke Elizabeth Broll Brock Johnston Brown Kennedy Lauren Brown Page 16

Noah Brown Ronan Patrick Brown Trevor Brown Grace Madeleine Browne Zachary James Brunson Emma Madison Bryant Grace Marie Buchan Anhika Marie Bui Noelle Taylor Bunce Karly Marie Bundy Kai Nathaniel Burleson Andrew Wade Burress Caden William Burton Bailey S. Butler Matthew John Bystry Bradley Lazaro Cajili Danielle Nicole Caldaronello Sophia Margaret Calkins Will Michael Campbell Noah David Canfield Colin Anderson Canizales Parker Andrew Cannon Nathen Edward Carey Joshua Carlin Joshua Kurtis Carlow Ava Claire Carr Jessica Kayla Carrera Jack Henri Charles Carroll Branden William Carter Garrett Carter Grace Elizabeth Cason Isabel Rody Cast Michelle Castaneda Natalie Lauren Casto Alexander Caudillo Raimundo Daniel Caudillo Violeta Cervantes Jessenia Maria Cervantes Gutierrez Kylie Jocelyn Chandler Angela Andrea Madrid Chantaca Jonah Andrew Chatham Tyler James Cheatley Derek Eugene Chen Sydney Chennells Emily Abby Chiani Brianna Zeta Pearl Chizhevsky Eleanore Christensen Simon Dean Christensen Ehva Cifuentes-Zombulovic Jasmine Alyssa Clark Kaylyn Sarah Clemons Baylee Marie Clisby Cameron Cobb Ethan James Coleman Nicholas Enzo Coli Isabel Colin Jack Theodore Colombo Sean William Colson Isabelle Frances Consuelo Comes Caitlin Sophia Condon Matthew Joseph Condon Kaylee Sage Conrad Stella Ann Copeland Naidelin Coronado Cassandra Corrales Matthew Michael Corralz Daniel Cortez Mia Danielle Costales Sean Thomas Coughlin Aidan Charles Coulson Makena Alyse Coury

Kenna May Cowper Lily Jane Crane Gage Kainoa Crawford Lang Elizabeth Csira Cameron Richard Culkin Jeffrey Thomas Currie Vincent Xavier Da Cunha Maxine Margaret Davey Trystan Fitzgerald Davey Roxyann Adelina Davidson Brenna Davis Brennon Noah Davis Caleb Benjamin Davis Ivy Lauryn Davis Melanie De La Torre Kevin Arturo Delgado Anna Dent Wade James Desco Jr. Collin Bennett Deutsch Eric Sullivan Devericks Jose Manuel Diaz Samuel Anthony Diaz Dustin Scott Dickson Alyssa Renee Difilippo Anna Katherine Dillbeck Allyssa Renee Dixon Callaghan Jack Donnelly Griffin Joseph Donnelly Jeanwin Yamato Doreus Erick Mello Ribeiro Dos Santos Tyler John Douglas Annabelle Grace Dunbar Alyssa Constance Duncan Jacob Lawrence Dunnwald James Matthew Durney Colin Luke Dusablon Delaney Danielle Dutton Benjamin Brooks Dwinell Patrick Mark Economy Adam Jonah Edmunds Justus Lee Edwards McKenzie Claire Edwards Pierce Steven Egbert Carter Steven Ehlers Matea Sydney Eib Gwyneth Carmela Elliott Noah Hudson Ellsworth Jack Ryan Engel Brooklyn Riley Enriquez Stolie Teryn Erickson America Nicolle Espinosa Hernandez Sofia Esquivel Josenyd Marie Estrada Garcia Keegan Shea Even Sophia Marie Evenson Estefani Elisabet Ezquivel Dylan Gregory Faires Brody James Fania Sophia Jeannette Fania William Michael Farrier Elias Yama Fazilat Emma Carlin Feasey Arshia Fereidooni Victor Eduardo Fernandez Gomez Jake Simpson Ferrigno Jack August Finnerty Erin Marie Finney Lorena Jesus Flores Aidan Sharon Flynn Chloe Le-Yi Foo sanclementetimes.com

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CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL Coni Rose Franco Jayce Cristien Franklin Christopher Frederick Jonas Angel Fredonis Ella Frances French Vaughn Patrick Furnish Bronson Diego Gabira Daisy Galvan Manuel Galvez Maria Del Rosario Galvez Ariadna Minerva Garcia John Aidan Garcia Olivia Hua Qiao Garrett Ava Elizabeth Garriott Rory Leigh Gaynor Ryan Thomas Georgi Jasmine Maya Geraci Thomas Matthew Gerardo Tori Nicole Ghyzel Aidan Scott Giacobello Dylan James Giddings Emily Jane Gillett Logan Grant Giobbi Jacob Matthew Gjonovich Hagen Chandler Glasgow Griffin Mathew Glenn

Taylor Danielle Glover Ryan Lewis Goddard Elijah David Golembiewski Estrella Gomez Hernan Gomez Jovanni Gomez Torrey Rae Gomez Alondra Paola Gomez Reyes Madison Lea Gonzales Gabriel William Gonzalez Alyza Giselle Gordillo Davis Charles Grace Hannah Elizabeth Granrud Kevin William Grant Henry Nicolas Grattan Tatum Victoria Grayek Joshua Lewis Gray-Smith Ella Rose Greathouse Cameron Rose Green Chloe Angelina Green Taylor Olivia Green Jillian Avery Greene Jack Dennis Gretzema Maverick Griffith Galexxie Sunev Grise Richard Dean Guthridge

Jose Jaime Gutierrez Madilyn Rose Gutowski Yamila Guzman Ashley Louise Haas Faith Nichole Haas Maverick Levi Hadsall Payton Faye Hagarty Cole Harrison Hahn Brady Michael Haislip Lily Marie Haley Hayden J Salvesen Hall Tanner Wirth Hall La Vita e Bella Victoria Halverson Tatum Rose Handel Jacob David Hansen Emma Jane Harline Cole Stephen Harmon Mitchell Kade Harrick Anakah Nachelle Harris Gavin Ross Harris Jack Goddard Harris Kaitlyn Michelle Harsey Peyton Wallace Hart Grace Marie Hartanov Ethan O’Flynn Hartman Xavier Scott Hassard-Johnson

SCHOLAR OF SCHOLARS SPEECH BY THOMAS GERARDO

ACHIEVING SUCCESS TOGETHER

G

ood afternoon, honored guests, family, friends, teachers, staff, Board of Trustees, and most importantly, the amazing Class of 2021. Welcome to commencement. I am honored to be speaking here today.

My dad always loved to ask me, “How do you make time fly?” and without missing a beat, I would always reply, “You throw a clock out the window!”

But I think we would all agree even without touching a clock, our high school careers have flown by.

It feels like just yesterday we were all attending freshman orientation, playing games in the classrooms and trying not to make a fool of ourselves in front of these new people. And while we all likely had many embarrassing moments, we had lots of other great moments as well.

From the Friday nights at the football games to the pep rallies, we all pretended to be too cool for, we as a class have spent a lot of time together, being silly, and growing closer. Whether it be through a mutual love of V8s in the auto academy or singing a Les Mis song together in drama, we have all found our friends.

San Clemente Times June 10-16, 2021

Thomas Gerardo, San Clemente High Scholar of Scholars

But what I love so much about this school is the way we have been able to grow beyond these cliques, bonding over quad rap battles and rumors about Mr. Popovich’s Tupac tattoo, to become a supporting and loving community. And if there’s one thing that these past two years have taught me,

it’s the importance of our community.

COVID knocked us down. It really did. But what got us through it was relying on the people we love. And together, we have fought through emotional and financial struggles and dealt with one of the roughest senior years in recent history.

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From dealing with three-week sports seasons to the band trying to find ways to play safely, we have all been tried.

But we made it out the other side together.

I used to scoff at the admin team repeating the same old “one town, one team” motto, but recently I’ve begun to smile at the phrase. Even if we might not all feel prepared for what’s next, we can venture into the future knowing that we are all supported by over 700 of our peers here in San Clemente.

From our young political clubs working on campaigns to our SCHS against-racism team, we are already showing we have what it takes to change our world. Each of our success stories is now all of our success stories.

When one of you is accepting a Grammy or an award for social justice work, remember to thank the family we have made here in San Clemente, because you couldn’t have made it there without them.

This is our moment, as individuals, as a class and really as a generation to go out and shape the world. And I’d personally like to say thank you to all of you, because without you, I wouldn’t have been able to be here, either.

So, thank you and good luck. I’m sure we’re destined to do great things.

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CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL

Ashley Jenna Hassett Jonas David Seldman Hawbecker Nadia Hawkes Juliet Dianne Heal Cayden Allen Heathman Kathleen Avery Hedger Clara Ann Helm Jeffery Blake Hendrickson Ethan Jeffrey Henry Spencer Tyler Herbert Benjamin Richard Herbes Adrian Jahir Hernandez Maria Fernanda Hernandez Zuriel Isai Hernandez Ella Grace Hersch Alexandria Bailey Higginson Clark David Hill Kylie Makayla Hill Dane Alexander Hillis Hannah Rose Hillis Elizabeth Joy Hiner Keith Jeffery Hoffmeister Sean Gerald Hoffmeister Christopher Jay Holt Aiden Luke Homrighausen Bodey Reid Horspool Ella Louise Horton Ian Henry Howard Zachary John Howard William Hudelson Hogelen Darin Huffman Aidan James Hunt Samuel Christopher Hunter Luke Nathaniel Huston Grace Kim Huynh Kaylee Bree IntVeld Aila Ilada Ittidecharchoti Hallie Marie Jacobs Brody James Jamieson Abbygail Jansson Tara Lynn Jaramillo Kaden Lawrence Jawitz Brayden Alexander Jenson-Eaton Lauren Elizabeth Johansson San Clemente Times June 10-16, 2021

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Cole Taylor Johnson Jenna Kim Johnson Kirra Danielle Johnson Liam Erin Johnson Nathan Johnson Rhyan MacKenzie Johnson Luke Robert Jones Madelyn Grace Juncaj Viola Broendum Juncker-Jensen Jacob Alexander Juneau Elijah Joseph Juno Cameron John Kadell Kyle Gregory Kagan Alexandra Nicole Kaiser Emily Ann Kalez Oliviana Shiori Kane Taylor Bernard Karger Tyler Scott Karpowitz Ryan Robert Keany David Christian Keck Noah Drake Keelin Neil Ryan Keenan Brennan Scott Kelley Nathan Sae Gwang Kelley Kian Monroe Khadivi Riya Rani Khetarpal Kobe Christopher Kiley Caden Sang Kim Rivers Cristina King Samantha May Kinney Ethan Lee Klemm Lexi Victoria Knapp John A Koenigshofer Sophie Mary Kohler Cameron David Kooper Lilah Jane Kopenhefer Emmanuel Mario Koulouris Hannah Katerine Kouris Virginia Joann Krug Peyton Anne Labbe Hailey Sue Lacourciere Crista Jollie Lafiguera-Mangahas Wyatt James LaLonde Samuel Ryder Lambert

Ann Francis Larson Taylor Marie Laubhan Emily Monique Lawrie Gina Antonia LeCause Tre’Vaughn Jordan Lee Shane George Leimel Scarlet Belle Leland Andrea Dyanne Lemus Andrew Leon Nicole Malia Kini Leonard Pierce Owen Letwin Luca Kirk Levandofsky Matthew Ryan Levendoski Hunter Michael Lewis Sydney Lewis Timothy Shooter Linas Harlee Rae Links Emerson Camille Litchfield Emiliano Lopez Erika Lopez Victor Danny Lopez Ashley Rose Lord Natalie Grace Lord Jaden Frank Lujano Ryan Thomas Lukes Sophia Isabella Luna Matthew Michael Macarewich Luke Alexander MacLean Joseph Francis Madison Zachary Alexander Mallgrave Kaitlynn Madison Mangrum Zachary Daniel Margiotta Dalia Mariano Madeliene Alexa Marinelarena Jackson Andrew Marinos Joseph James Marquez Kieran Joseph Marshall Savannah Alyene Marshall Cade Matthew Martin Alyssa Nicole Martinez Jahir Martinez Matthew Allen Martinez Liam Nicholas Mateer Brianna Sarai Mateos sanclementetimes.com

CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL Maria Eduarda Machado Mattiazo Malia Mauch Zoe Irene Mayne James Gavin McAlpin Cole Thomas McAteer Malia Dawn McCaig Foster Timothy McCarty Collin Jacob McCrary William Thomson McCulloch IV Trazler Alan McGrath Matthew James McGreevy Devin Anthony McMahon Kai Jaymes McPhillips Sarah Ann McWilliams Ashley Victoria Medina Leslie Medina Nathan Robert Melcher Elisea Saray Melgar Cassandra Mendez Trevor Mercuro Destin Anthony Merkle Dylan Christian Mihele Danika Grace Miller Jack Xuming Mills Holly Savannah Milner Ashton England Minnich Hayden Khalil Mirza Gwendolyn Predrag Mitrevski

Cecily Tait Mitzev Benjamin Aidan Mix Megan Moe Morgan Rose Mokler Harry Ray Monds Jr. Eloise Moodie Delaney Lane Moody Maverick Jay Moore Rodrigo Mora Kaya Mei Moran Aleks Armando Moreno Itzel Moreno Kathleen Morrison Eleanor Araxie Morville Max Nishan Morville Katherine Grace Mower Fatima Xitlaly Muniz Luca Alexander Muriella Sophia Louise Murray Pedro Henrique Figueiredo Mussauer Cooper Douglas Myton Isaiah Fernando Navarro Ty James Neely Ethan Connor Nel Joseph Gaston Nelson Matthew Richard Nelson McKenna Nelson Arya Nicholas Nemati

Tyler Michael Nemeth Jayden James Neri Madison Neuhausen Clayton Douglas Newlon James Minh Nguyen Anthony Louis Niebank-Hall Hunter Daniel Nielsen Brian Nieves Espino Raiki Nishida Miguel Angel Nunez Alexandra Mae Nunnally Mia O’Brien Cesar Arturo Ochoa Jr. Dane Justice Olbrich Lillian Grace O’Rourke Sofia Marie Osendorf Alanis Fabiola Oses Perez Richard Boyce Owens Timothy James Paisley Regis Jiwoo Pak Alexis Dawn Pardo Jessica Grace Park Jacob Glen Parrish Conner Parrott Kendall Marie Patrick Trinity Alexis Patterson Noah Luke Pattin Rachel Pattin Kevin Samuel Payan Buruca

Jacob Michael Pecen Milan Grace Pekarek Yixiang Peng Claudia Perez Elias Perez Jacob Cole Perlow Xezae Lester Peshlakai Xezel Davis Peshlakai Lauren Elizabeth Peters Samuel James Peters Charlotte Faith Petry Trang Pham Paris Pinegar Andrea Alicia Pintle Kylie Elizabeth Pitzak Aidan Pollick Madelyn Grace Poole Cloe Katherine Pothier Conor Izaiah Poulos Claire Isabelle Powell Dane Patric Power Hailey Shae Prather Gavin Cole Price Moya Elizabeth Priddy Jack Ernest Proctor Sebastian Cole Eugene Prunty Elizabeth Victoria Quinlan Orion Peter Radzwill Carlos Armando Ramirez

David Ramirez Edgar Gabriel Ramirez Jeoselyn Ramirez Maria Guadalupe Ramirez Jaye Lynn Ramos Aubree Anne Rask Kylie Grace Raumin Jason Christopher Ray Bentley Matthew Redden Elliana Blanche Redick Lily Margaret Redmond Camryn Mikayla Reeves Donovan Vilayvanh Regan Aubrie Ann Reichert Christopher Robert Reitan Kai Benjamin Rex Aviana Kaprice Reynard Emma Elizabeth Rhoades Eve Michelle Richardson Sydney Danielle Richmond Elyse Jean Rideout Savannah Lynn Rider Ian Patrick Riley Cassidy Rizer Caiden Robertson Jesus Jonathan Rodriguez Jack Bryan Rogers Katherine Rose Rogers Robert Alexander Rogers

Lizandro Rojas Rocky Romero Rojas Kyle Austin Roland Aaron Brian Romero Jose Luis Romero Castillo Luis Humberto Rosas Keaton Wesley Rose Isabela Eva Mae Rose Woods Gabriel Pietro Rosselle Isabel Anna Rouns Skylar Michael Ruffner Sebastian Ruiz Camille Runge Jillian Grace Russell Paige Sydney Russell Russell Robert Ryan III Landon Cole Ryder Keenan Roman Rydzeski Alexis Christina Salazar Alexa Saldivar Brianna Mary Salgado Lydia Jade Samuelsen Felipe Sanchez Jessica Sanchez Anabelle Grace Sanders Rebecca Love Sanders Miguel Alejandro Sandoval Rodenas Benjamin Tadashi Sato

FAREWELL ADDRESS BY JILLIAN GREENE

The Future Has Much More in Store

L

ast year, I was in Link Crew, and I had to stop by my old middle school to give a presentation. I was waiting at the crosswalk, and next to me was this little girl.

We started talking to one another, and I asked her: “What grade are you in?” She said, “Fourth grade.” To me, that’s amazing! She’s so young! I was amazed, because I knew, from my own experience, she had her whole life ahead of her.

As I was growing up, I was constantly asked: What do you want to do in college? I neurotically worried about what classes I needed to take for my degree, and thus, my career that I will be in for the rest of my life.

This was a load of pressure to put on a child. How can you expect someone to know what they want to dedicate their entire being to by age 18? It wasn’t until only a few months ago, when I was sitting in my bed and staring at the ceiling, did I realize that “wow, no matter what I do, I have my whole life ahead of me.”

This is a hard lesson to learn: you have your whole life ahead of you.

People always say that life’s too short, but it’s the longest thing you’ll ever do!

Now, as a fourth-grader, you might feel pretty old—you’re way more mature than those crazy first-graders. And as a senior now, you might feel the same way. But—and here’s the part that should get you excited—there is so much in store for you.

You’ve received a formal education, you’ve learned physical skills, but there is too much in the world for an entire textbook to cover; the world is bigger than a hobbyist’s garage. You never stop growing—even until the very end.

Some of you have never been on a plane, or ziplined, or tried tikka masala, but that doesn’t mean you never will. Every day, whether you mean it or not, you will learn something new. You will incrementally grow as a person.

It might be hard to see in the moment, but I implore you to look back to see how far you’ve come.

There’s a trend on TikTok going around: imagine if your current self met yourself from 2018. In 2018, I was a freshman. If my 2018

self met my current self, I say she’d be proud. Four years ago, none of us could drive, we were fresh out of middle school, and we all had questionable taste.

The point is, you, and the you from even as recent as last week, are entirely different people. The experiences life puts you through grow you as a person.

It enriches you, it seasons you, you go from a slimy curd to a quality aged cheese. Or something along those lines.

All the mistakes you’ve made in the past brought you to where you are today. If you don’t feel content with where you are, what you are, and if you find yourself constantly making

mistakes, then there’s always tomorrow.

In eight years, that fourth-grader will be standing where we all are right now.

Eight years, that’s twice as long as our high school experience. That’s a long time. I hope that, wherever you will be, you’ll look back upon this time fondly, laughing at how young you were.

Jillian Greene

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CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL

SAN CLEMENTE GRADUATES from other Area schools

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Carlos Julian Saucedo Tyler Scott Savoie Brett Daniel Sayer Emily Olivia Schad Bryson Jeffrey Schnarr Macie Kiki Schniepp Ella Bach Schoenig Andrew Philip Schwartz Samuel Joseph Schwartz Chloe Mae Schweer Amy Gianna Sebrasky Sydney Rose Seefeldt Richard Rios Segovia Eliza Hooper Sener Noa James Serpa Raisa Shafi Nir Shany Chloe Anne Shepard Wade Matthew Sherman Joshua Michael Sherreitt Lola Grace Sherrie Katrina K Shoga Grace Amelia Shulga Milo Whittemore Shumpert Owen Blue Simler Lucas Andrew Sims Ava Wood Sinacori Cole James Sischo Trevor William Skeffington Helena Simone Skov Zoe Smead Sarah Marie Smetona Egan Donald Smith Emma Grace Smith Payton Nicole Smith Jose Solano Max Cooper Sorenson Mia Nicole Spang Kylee McCall Spear Torrey Brynn Spear Flook Spoon Rylee Ann Springman Sabrina Spunt Trent Michael Stacy Taylor Genevieve Steers Alexis Romero Stein Jasel Rosadele Steinmetz Faith Caroline Stewart Kyra Ann Stewart

David Glen Stillwell Matthew Preston Streuter Allison Michelle Stubbs Katin Samuel Sutera-Moran Luke Daniel Sutherland Kyle Lee Swaringen Ryland Joseph Thomas Swarthout Nelson Tabarez Abigail Kailey Tabb Alyssa Brooke Tamayo Emelly Tapia Aidan Joseph Tapias Aden Matthew Taylor Greggory Ashton Teeter Brayden Andrew Thomas McKenna Elizabeth Thomas Gillian Taylor Thompson Hannah Linnes Thorsell Alika Kawana Ting Emily Marie Tolentino Kate Lauren Tolliver Nicholas John Tomey IV Hunter Makana Tomlinson Alejandro Miguel Torres Jessenia Torres Seth Iselin Torticill James Arthur Tranberg Tavius Alma Truman Trevor Thomas Tuttle Courtney Ellen Vaccaro Aidan Sebastian Valdez Issac Geovany Valencia Sarahi Valencia Samuel Thomas Van Dixhorn German Vargas Kaydence Currin Varnadore Davis Dean Vaughn Kanious Masi Vaughn Kevin Brandon Ventura Robert Michael Verrilli III Tyler Robert Vesque Makena Alexandra Viera Luis-Armando Villalobos Antony Roderico Villatoro Miguel Holly Nichole Vissman Natalie Michelle Vissman Callen Martin Viter

San Clemente Times June 10-16, 2021

Elle Svea Voehl Hedlund Christina Faith Volman Kate Alicyn Wade Kayla Savannah Waggoner Morgan Ashley Wagner Alexa Marie Waldfogel Mason Ezekiel Walker William Harrison Walker Lukas Brian Wargnier Jason Karl Garrett Watkins Sophie Kate Wehr Olivia Weilbaecher Nicolas Riley Weist Jacob Robert Wellikson Natalya Emma Wells Sonora Alexis Wells-Wedge Emma Wertin Sophia Rose Wetzel Colin Christopher Whalen Jack Thomas Whidden Kelly Reese Whidden Carson Douglas White Jack Byron Whitney Ashton Vic Whitsett Gavin Alexander Wilchek Caitlin Charlene Wilford Jared Haakon Willardsen Breeana Williams Ella Margaret Williamson Anthony Dominick Willingham Brooklyn Mia Wilson Wade Warren Wilson Trevor Wilt Andrew James Winkler Kate Louise Winter Cooper Clare Woodworth Blake Nicholas Wright Julieann Nicole Wright Claire Iana Wynne Kelsie Ann Yamano Landan Joseph Burke Yanes Logan James Burke Yanes Sydney Loryn Yearley Mya Kathryn Yost Natalie Zarate Reese Olivia Grace Zebell Aleksandra Zlatic Jack William Zwisler

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Ethan Sego Isabella Marcovecchio Alexandria Horwood Gabriel Dyer Emma Reed Hailey Krugh Ryan DeVore Anna Casper

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Jack Thomas Aitken Madeleine Caldwell Arundale Justina Monique Brandt Shane Dunigan Dzwilewski Andrew Stephen Kramer Zachary Joseph Kratzer Rachel Nellmapius Alexia Sylvia Taylor

FAIRMONT SCHOOLS Carson Cummings Amelia Falshaw

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CLASS OF 2021 // GRADUATION SPECIAL FAREWELL ADDRESS BY ALIKA TING

I

EMBRACE THE WEIRDNESS

t is a truth universally acknowledged that high school is the weirdest four years of your life. It’s awkward and confusing, and in retrospect, it goes by wickedly fast.

We spent four years in the shaded area between the two circles of a Venn diagram, where childhood giddiness overlaps with the realities of the adult world. An unmatched environment, possibly the only time in life you’ll nearly break the touchpad of the Chromebook because you’re playing Kahoot! too hard, or have to reassure your teachers that you’re not the one driving the car during your online class.

Nothing feels so much like a fever dream than high school does, but it’s one of those dreams you write down in a journal. You’ll promise to analyze the meaning of it later, when you have the time.

And when you do, you’ll find that we lived in this abnormally shaped space, not quite a circle or even an oval—yes, an imperfect, yet safe intersection of life, where even awkward and embarrassing moments, as apocalyptic as they seemed in the moment, were fundamental in who we were, who we are, and who we will become, and that we are lucky to even be able to remember them.

You’ll realize that we had a caring community, a qual-

San Clemente Times June 10-16, 2021

ity education, in a world where many don’t have access to such things. In analyzing this fever dream, you’ll find thankfulness for life and for health.

I certainly am thankful to have had the opportunity to gaze upon such lovely headboards and glorious ceiling fans this year. We, the Class of 2021, have a bond like no other, especially now that we can recognize the interior design of each other’s rooms.

Yes, these may have been the weirdest four years of our lives, but let’s be honest, weirdness is disruptive, it creates groundbreaking technologies, starts powerful movements, and pushes people to think differently. So, embrace the weirdness, cherish it, even.

You furiously scribbled out full-length essays under fluorescent classroom lights; you stayed late for long practices and rehearsals and your dedication shone through during the concerts, at the games, on opening nights; and some days, you did all this on just adrenaline and few hours of sleep.

In moments of triumph, in moments of defeat, as we exit this little shaded section and step into the larger circles of life, your ability to push through the strangest of times is going to come in handy. And I think we can all agree that it certainly has been the strangest of times— the weirdest of times.

Congratulations, and Go, Tritons!

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Alika Ting

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