Class of 2000

Andrew Wainer

Editor’s Note: Last summer, we spoke with five local high school seniors

who are part of the Class of 2000. The teens -- four of whom serve as

presidents of their respective student councils, the fifth a student

representative to the school board -- shared their views of the coming

year and century. We now revisit them as the first semester of their

final year of high school comes to an end.

When we spoke to our five Class of 2000 teens during the summer, they

reflected on what the 21st century might bring for them and their peers.

Some of them, such as Huntington Beach High School student and district

student representative Rona Smith, aren’t sure.

“You are kind of going into a black hole,” Smith said. “Now we have so

many options, we just don’t know what we are getting into.”

Almost a semester deep into their final year, the students spoke about

being school leaders and finishing up a frenzy of college applications --

and about the prospect of leaving behind friends and family when they

graduate.

Being leaders on campus has compounded the pressure and organizing all

the activities for their classmates this semester has left them feeling

worn out, they said.

“It’s a big responsibility overseeing all the school’s activities,”

Fountain Valley High School Associated Student Body President Brandon

Stewart said.

Brandon said as president, he has tried to organize assemblies and events

that capture students’ attention and involve all the groups at the

Fountain Valley campus.

“Being president, you have to reach out of your comfort zone a lot,” he

said. “You have to deal with people you would not normally deal with, but

it makes you a stronger person.”

Marina High School student Stacy Wallace was also busy her first semester

as student president.

“It can be difficult to keep everybody focused at student body meetings,”

Stacy said. “But we have managed to work well together.”

In addition to leading the student government, Stacy is involved in

cheerleading and mentoring five Marina freshmen.

As deadlines approach, college applications were a priority for each of

the seniors.

“I am applying to 10 schools,” said Josh Cable, Ocean View’s ASB

president.

Josh, who said he plans to pursue politics or business, cited the

University of Pennsylvania as his first choice.

Stacy has a specific idea of what she wants to pursue in college as well.

She has already been accepted by Cal State Long Beach.

“I am going to enter their teacher training program for elementary school

teachers,” Stacy said.

The program offers its students a bachelor’s degree and a teaching

credential in four years.

Brandon, who practices piano up to four hours a day, has applied to some

of the most prestigious music schools in the nation.

“I am working on applications to Juilliard, Brigham Young and Eastman,”

Brandon said.

A member of the Mormon church, Brandon said he also plans to go on a

two-year mission when he turns 19.

“I will probably leave after my first semester and then finish college

when my mission is over,” he said.

Rona is set on USC.

“My father went there,” Rona said. “I like the spirited atmosphere of the

school.”

Rona has already interviewed at the school and is confident about her

chances of acceptance.

But the seniors said the bustle and excitement of college applications is

accompanied with fear of the unknown as they leave the family nest.

“High school is such a safe haven,” said Michael Hill, Edison’s ASB

president. “College is a new thing.”

Josh said he has mixed feelings about going away to college.

“On one hand, I am really happy and looking forward to moving on,” he

said. “But I am also feeling sentimental.”

Rona said she thinks the freedom of university life will be overwhelming.

“I have been sheltered by my parents,” she said. “College will present me

with issues I haven’t dealt with before.”

What scares these student leaders the most is leaving behind loved ones.

“I am kind of sad to leave high school,” Rona said. “I have been close to

many of these people since kindergarten.”

For Josh, an only child, the separation will be particularly tough.

“My parents are losing one-third of the family,” he said.

Michael said he will miss Edison’s camaraderie.

“I really felt like I was part of something here,” he said.

But in spite of the sense of loss, the Class of 2000 is looking at

college as a step toward a bright future.

“My parents are supporting me all the way,” Brandon said of his college

applications.

“I am really excited to move on to bigger and better things,” said Stacy,

who plans to live at home during her first year at the university. “I am

really jazzed about college.”

Josh said his going away to college will afford his parents more time --

and space -- for fun.

“They’re turning my bedroom into a recreation room,” he said.

Rona may have said it best when she summed up her optimistic outlook on

the near future.

“It’s a new opportunity,” she said, “and a chance to meet new people.”

VOICES

Rona Smith, student district representative

“I have been sheltered by my parents. College will present me with issues

I haven’t dealt with before.”

Josh Cable, Ocean View ASB president

“On one hand, I am really happy and looking forward to moving on. But I

am also feeling sentimental.”

Brandon Stewart, Fountain Valley ASB president

“Being president, you have to reach out of your comfort zone a lot. You

have to deal with people you would not normally deal with. But it makes

you a stronger person.”

Stacy Wallace, Marina ASB president

“It can be difficult to keep everybody focused at student body meetings.

But we have managed to work well together.”

Michael Hill, Edison ASB president

“High school is such a safe haven. College is a new thing.”