Graduation Special
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2011
Graduates Celebrate Good Times San Clemente Sends off Class of 2011 in Style BY EVELYN CAICEDO
he diverse Class of 2011 came together this year to form a picture of unity, community and accomplishment. San Clemente is a one high school town, making graduation a truly community event, said San Clemente High Principal George Duarte. He commended the city for producing “an incredible class.” “We couldn’t have done it without the community,” he said. The 779 San Clemente High School graduates walked across the stage on Wednesday at Thalassa Stadium to receive their diploma. Senior graduation speakers were Quinn Hatoff, the Triton of the Year, and Yanchen Zhang, the Scholar of Scholars. The ceremony included performances by San Clemente High School Symphony Orchestra playing the prelude, Pomp and Circumstance and a recessional. The elite vocal group Madrigals also accompanied the other musicians. Selected junior students participated in the ceremony by carrying a daisy and served as an escort for the seniors as they be entered the field, which was organized by receptionist Susan Austin and teacher Kelley Holt. “In my speech, I encourage my classmates to follow their inner passions while
taking full advantage of the new freedom we experience as our compulsory educations draw to a close,” Hatoff, who plans to study government at Harvard University, said. “One must remember that our lives are definite, yet our inner desires infinite. High school has given us the foundation. Now, it is time for us to follow our hearts and pursue what makes us tick.” Zhang plans on attending Dartmouth College with a major in neuroscience. “The path ahead is full of hope, opportunity and promise. My advice to my senior class is to make the most of it and never regret your choices,” Zhang said. Senior Class President Cassidy Bennett led the seniors to the final step of graduating by directing the students to turn their tassels to the left. Bennett will attend Brown University to study international and environmental studies. In recent weeks, seniors have been celebrating their end to high school by holding senior events, including a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm, prom, a barbecue and a brunch. “Our senior Knott’s trip was a blast. I was so excited that so many people wore their senior shirts to celebrate their
class,” Bennett said. “I have had so much fun getting to know the senior class this year. It is amazing to see a class so different come together and celebrate their accomplishments as one. Our class has amazing opportunities to make a difference and change this world.” Bennett was among four other candidates for Triton of the Year, which included Tyler Karahalios, Camen Piho and Andre Vleisides and Hatoff who received the award. “My class never ceases to amaze me. It was an honor to share the same stage at senior awards with the other four Triton of the Year nominees,” Hatoff said. “The variety in our passions, activities and goals is a testament to the quality of our school and the range of opportunities our teachers and staff have provided us with.” Duarte said that there were many moments throughout the year that stand out, but one was the senior awards that took place on June 2. “There were so many outstanding students recognized for their amazing achievements. That reconfirmed my faith of how extraordinary the students at San Clemente High School are,” he said. “There were even some students
that didn’t make the top five that were so accomplished of their time, intellect and talent. These kids are going to go places.” Along with the award ceremony and senior events, the athletic teams shared highlights throughout the year. Duarte said there were so many memorable athletic events such as the girls’ water polo team earning the CIF title and the girls’ soccer team taking both CIF and the state championships, but the boys’ soccer team’s victory really had him beaming with pride. “The event that really made me feel amazed by our student body was when the boys’ soccer team traveled to Downey for the championships,” Duarte said. “The kids that traveled up there to support their team and do something that has never been done at SCHS was spirited, unifying, exciting and was a nail biter. The coaches and the athletes did not disappoint.” Duarte thanked the students for letting him join them the past four years on their journey through high school. “I am really excited to see what is in store for them,” the principal said. “They have unlimited potential and I hope they make decisions very carefully.” Best of luck, Class of 2011. •