It was a great day to have a graduation and the perfect opportunity for the graduates to thank those who have made their four-year journey through high school a worthwhile experience.

The 379 seniors walked the platform at the June 13 graduation and more than 1,000 parents, friends, community members and former graduates—early arrivers sitting and late-comers standing—came to add to the excitement and to see class members make their grand finale.

Seniors, some who were linked arm-in-arm or hand-to-hand, made their way from the halls of the school to their seats on the front lawn in groups of two to four to the traditional tunes of "Pomp and Circumstance" while proud spectators cheered and raced to take snapshots of their graduating loved ones.

The crowd quickly became silent when Jason McDowell-Green, whose soothing voice echoed throughout the sea of black and white caps, sang the "National Anthem."

Photograph by Saori Yoneda Buddies Carter Blake Wallace (left) and Matthew Abrahimoon congratulate one another with a big hug.

"Graduating from high school is like going deep sea diving for the first time," said Ebrahimoon, who spoke of fear, anxiety, excitement and initiative. "I'm looking forward to going overboard, but sad to leave behind a lot that is familiar. Let's be glad to be together one last time and look forward to seeing each other again under the sea."

There were five other student speakers and five reflective speeches at the 1 ¹/2-hourlong ceremony.

Roey Rahmil pointed out important historical events that happened on the same date, stating to his fellow graduates that they "have the power to determine the past."

Photograph by Saori Yoneda Graduates gives a standing ovation to Karl Wolski, the stepfather of their beloved classmate, Eric Quesada, as he accepts an honorary diploma.

Nadine Toren spoke of taking a "stroll down memory lane," recalling their freshman year when she remembered being directed toward the girl's bathroom and advised by upper classmen not to use the school map on campus. She included their beloved fellow classmate who died in a car accident earlier in the year, Eric Quesada, otherwise known as "Quesadilla," in her speech.

"We'll keep our precious friend, Eric, in hour hearts forever," she said.

Quesada's memory was kept alive during the ceremony. His mother was not present, but his stepfather, Karl Wolski, made a special presentation to accept an honorary diploma given to the family. Wolski accepted the diploma before a warm standing ovation and thanked students, faculty and the community for their support.

"Your support means more to us than anything I can say," said Wolski.

Photograph by Saori Yoneda Graduate Daniel Paul Bittiker receives a rose from his girlfriend, Laura Garnett.

"Don't listen to advice. Break rules and make things happen. Remember that actions have consequences. Be good to each other. Be cool with each other. Live life and love life," he said.

Anton Zanotto was the last to speak and gave a short, yet nonetheless compelling speech.

"We've reached the end of a voyage," he said. "We're off to explore strange new worlds."

He then quoted T.S. Elliot: "Let this not be a farewell, but a fare forward."

And so they did as they tossed their caps in the air, cheered and hugged.