The University of California San Diego was the host for the commencement ceremony of La Jolla High’s Class of 2016 on Tuesday, June 21.
The RIMAC Arena was packed with hundreds of family members with their hands full with signs, air horns and flowers. The feeling of excitement and pride filled the room as the graduates walked to their seats. Nearly 300 La Jolla High seniors sat in cap and gown eagerly awaiting their chance to walk across the stage with diploma in hand.
“I don’t think I have ever been more proud of her,” said Maria Valdez, a La Jolla High parent. “I’ve always known she was going make it but today is about her recognizing her own accomplishments.”
Following musical performances by students, a few graduating Vikings gave speeches. Many of them touched upon their common struggles and achievements over the past four years and the journey they had been on as a class.
“I am scared of going out and leaving the pods and friends I have made here,” said student Maya Hildebrand. “Leaving that sense of security is really scary but I am so excited for what the future has to hold for each and every one of us.”
“Whether it was failing that bio test or making a varsity team, we all experienced failure and success in the walls of La Jolla High,” senior class president Simon Hirschfield said. “We have all managed to navigate the complex and challenging world of high school and come out on top. Congrats guys.”
After the “Go Vikes” chants ended, La Jolla High principal Chuck Podhorsky got up to speak. He focused on the hard work the students have put in over the past four years that got them to the seats they were sitting in and the caps and gowns they were wearing. His comments resulted in cheers and claps by many of the families in the stands.
“You should all be very proud of yourselves and excited for the amazing experiences that lie before you,” Podhorsky said. “I know you are all going to be great.”
Podhorsky went on to congratulate not only the students but the faculty and parents.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding teachers, counselors and coaches you guys have and to remind you to share this day with your parents because they have helped get you here,” Podhorsky said. “Maybe there was a push, big or small, but they helped get you here too.”
Podhorsky then introduced the San Diego Unified School District board president Dr. Michael McQuary.
“This school has produced people who have gone on to become talented, influential and well-known professionals,” McQuary said. “I see nothing but promise in the faces before me and I hope you recognize that in yourselves.”
Once the speeches ended, students rose row by row and walked across the stage to Podhorsky, who gave them their diplomas and a hand shake. As the names were called, parents cheered and students stomped on the ground; cameras flashed and air horns were blasted in celebration.
Soon after, caps were tossed in the air and the students flooded out onto the nearby softball field to find their families and celebrate.