Photograph by George Sakkestad

Susan Mooney and John Pavacich cheer for grad Jared Pavacich.

Class of 1999

Graduates are invited to pack some old-fashioned wisdom into their bags for the journey into the 21st century

Members of the Los Gatos High School Class of 1999 collected their diplomas June 11 and marched off into the 21st century. Though they are entering a world hard for most of us to imagine, we figure--virtual reality aside--a little old-fashioned common sense is always a good tool to have in one's bag.

So we went out seeking enlightenment on behalf of the graduates, and present herewith the collective wisdom of the community as our gift to the Class of '99.--Editor

"Go on with your education if at all possible because statistics show that over a life-time college graduates earn more than high school graduates. If it's not possible, and you go into the work force, no matter how menial the job or how little you get paid, do the best job you can. If you see opportunities for doing more than is required, take them because you'll stand out above the crowd, and you'll be picked for a better position. If no one recognizes your work, at least you have the satisfaction of doing the best you can."

--Jean Dubois
Known as the bird man of Los Gatos
Member of the Audubon Society
Retired real estate appraiser for the federal government

"Never lose your sense of wonder. Miracles are so pervasive that we take them for granted. When we do that, we lose the whole point of life."

--David Knapp
Los Gatos town manager

"We are living in an era in which technological changes are happening faster than ever before. If you approach life as a journey that is all about learning, you will be approaching life in a way that will enable you to create your future powerfully."

--Sheri Lewis
Executive director of the Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce

"Wear sunscreen and listen to Baz Luhrmann."

--Steven Blanton
Los Gatos vice mayor
LGHS Class of '79

"I can tell you two things I have learned in recent years: there are two kinds of satisfaction that never grow old--that you never grow tired of. One is the pleasure you'll always get from helping others in some way, in any way--children, adults, senior citizens. The other is the satisfaction you'll always get from creating things--in art, music, writing, speaking, homemaking, business, human relations, any product of your own unique, God-given imagination. If you ever feel you'd like more advice on how to live happily and wisely, why not invest in a copy of Bartlett's Familiar Quotations? There you'll find a thousand pages of ideas from the greatest thinkers who ever lived--from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans down to modern writers, statesmen and philosophers--expressed in beautiful language worth remembering."

--William DuSel
Taught English at LGHS more than 50 years ago
Professor of English at San Jose State for 34 years
Executive vice president, emeritus, of San Jose State University for 14 years (during the tumultuous 1960s)

"You're graduating. The future's ahead of you. There's privilege that comes with this but also responsibility. Think before you act. Enjoy life, but don't go in debt. Have fun. Experience life's opportunities. But don't blow it.

--Joanne Benjamin
Served on the Los Gatos Town Council for 16 years, four as mayor
LGHS economics and American government teacher on leave this year


Photograph by George Sakkestad

Grad Jared Pavacich with brother Shamus on his shoulders shakes hands with a friend.




"Kids always want to choose a profession they enjoy. The pursuit of that is not realistic. That's why they pay us to work. If work was that much fun, they'd charge us to do it. You will never know what you want to do when you grow up. You just keep growing older, so whatever you choose to do, be the best."

--Kurt Lemons
Owner of Upstream Fly Fishing

"My advice to the Los Gatos High School graduating class of 1999 is to realize that the most exciting era in history will occur in your expected lifetime. Therefore the unimaginable changes in your lives will offer opportunities never before available if you prepare by educating yourself to the fullest. This education must encompass both formal and informal training and the observation and practice of core values. Learn, work, do good things and develop a strong sense of humor. Respect what has been achieved and then improve our world in every way that you can."

--Jim McHugh
Founder of McHugh Lincoln Mercury of Los Gatos

"Sometimes I think that graduating from high school is not considered to be that significant in Silicon Valley, where it seems as if everyone you know has a college education and many have advanced degrees. I would like to tell this year's graduating seniors that a high school diploma should be celebrated as a major achievement. You now have more knowledge and education than most of the world's population will ever have. It is a credential that can never be taken away from you. No matter what you do as you go through your life--college, work, travel, starting a business, volunteering in the community, whatever--you will be building and expanding your skill set based on the foundation of your high school diploma. This is a big deal and you should be proud. Congratulations."

--Diane McNutt
Chair-elect of the Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce
McNutt & Company Inc. Public Relations

"Keep on learning. Learn how to learn because everything is changing so fast. Keep your sense of humor."
--Kathryn Morgan
LGHS English teacher
Los Gatos planning commissioner

"Always remember your childhood, particularly those times that made you laugh the most! Beware of those who demand that you 'grow up' if they are asking you to forget your past. Translating into your adult life those parts of your childhood that were the most exciting, enjoyable and enriching will guarantee you success and happiness."

--Joe Pirzynski
Los Gatos Town Council member
Co-founder of Disaster Response Team
Educator and family therapist

"Get involved in your community. Be committed to whatever you choose to do. Follow up thoroughly to complete whatever you've started. Always recognize and appreciate those you work with or people who help you."

--Gladie Rabitz
A founder of A Place for Teens


Photograph by George Sakkestad

Cameras come out in force as the graduates enter the front of the school.




"Integrity is another expression of being honest, and that will follow you through your career. Keep a positive attitude and a desire to go the extra mile, and don't expect accolades."

--Gary Schloh
Los Gatos architect

"My advice--as an old newspaper man--is that you should subscribe to and read the newspaper. There are so many opportunities for young people today. You can't just skateboard around. You have to crack a book or a magazine. Read publications. Be aware of what's going on around you, of your opportunities, where they are and how you can get involved with them."

--Emerson Shaw
LGHS Class of '33
Former photographer for the San Jose Evening News
Local sponsor of Close-up Foundation that sends LGHS juniors to Washington, D.C.

"It's difficult to give a message to you without leaving you with the impression that just another old-fashioned grown-up is lecturing you. But I'll take that risk because I believe one can help others find the courage to say no to the things that make them weak and yes to the things that make them strong. So, as each of you embarks on the new, exciting and challenging adventure that lies before you, you need to remember that you will be judged by, and your success will be dependent upon, the character you display. And character is simply doing what's right even when nobody's looking."

--Larry J. Todd
Los Gatos-Monte Sereno chief of police

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Photo Gallery: More pictures of the LGHS Class of 1999 graduation ceremony.

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