A graduation and goodbye

Jose Paul Corona

It was an event not to be missed. Spectators hung from trees in an

effort to get a good vantage point.

This very special event at Edison High School sent 450 teenagers out

into the world.

But, students weren’t the only one’s to graduate at the ceremony last

week.

Principal Brian Garland also graduated. Garland retired this year. The

class of 2002 will be the last class at Edison class that he addresses.

“I’ll remember this night,” Garland said.

After more than 40 years of working with students he had no regrets,

he said. Upon hearing this, the graduating seniors applauded and cheered

loudly.

They didn’t regret having Garland as their principal.

Seniors donned their green caps and gowns last week, and filed into

the Edison Bowl for their graduation where they were addressed by their

principal for the last time.

Graduates sat in neatly arranged chairs with their loved ones around

them. Those that didn’t get there early enough to grab a chair climbed

into nearby trees, stood on top of benches and tables and did whatever

else they could, to see their graduate.

While people jockeyed for a seat, the graduates themselves had other

things on their minds.

They thought about the future and what their lives would be like after

graduation.

“I’m nervous,” Ashley Henderson, 17, who looked forward to the

“adventure” that awaits her in the Army.

The self-described Navy brat hopes to pursue a career in the culinary

arts after finishing her stint in the Army.

Lindsey Heppner, 18, couldn’t believe her 4 years at Edison went by so

fast. If she had known, she would have done more, she said.

The soon to be Orange Coast College student and business major also

admitted to being nervous.

“I have butterflies, happy butterflies,” she said with a smile.

Some seniors may not want to deal with the adult world yet, but

18-year-old Roy D. Schomburg isn’t one of them.

“I want to get out on my own,” he said, “I welcome responsibility.”

Schomburg doesn’t plan on going to far though. He loves the weather

here in Orange County too much to leave. He’ll also be attending OCC and

plans on being a teacher.

Others, like Jessica Holcomb, are just glad high school is over.

“It’s [been] kind of boring, but I’m finally through it,” she said.

* JOSE PAUL CORONA covers City Hall and education. He can be reached

at (714) 965-7173 or by e-mail at o7 jose.corona@latimes.com.f7