Pearls of Wisdom

Jenny Marder

“This class has athletes of the highest caliber, intellects beyond

compare and there’s going to be some great moms and dads in here

too,” said Ocean View High School Principal Karen Gildin during the

graduation ceremony for the Class of 2003.

There are many rewards that come with graduation day -- a diploma,

a firm handshake, a bouquet of flowers and, as senior class president

Joseph Lo Coco pointed out, the ability to call a teacher by their

first name. But it’s a bittersweet happiness to end four of the most

transforming years of a person’s life.

The overwhelming mood at the ceremony was of gratitude and joy,

laced with the early stages of nostalgia.

In his address to the senior class, Lo Coco said he was proud to

be part of a class with “the most brilliant people, the most humorous

people and the nicest people.”

“Friendship is like a fine wine,” he said. “It gets better with

age.”

Because of the small size of the class, just under 300, Ocean View

seniors become quickly acquainted, said senior Rachel Gilpin.

“We know everybody by junior year,” she said, adding that it was a

friendly class.

“We’re crazy, outgoing and fun,” agreed classmate Steven Christy.

As a feeder school for the predominantly Latino Oak View

neighborhood, Ocean View High School is known for it’s diversity.

“There are more Hispanics graduating from this school than other

schools,” said Michelle Tapia, 18, clad in a deep red cap and gown.

“It’s full of Hispanics.”

Speakers at the ceremony included valedictorians Caroline Nguyen,

Tri-Dominic-Duc Pham and Salutatorian Tamar Baljian.

Teacher Chrissy Werner left the students with a few parting words

of wisdom.

“Remember, no matter how long or arduous your journey, you must

remember to enjoy your time,” she said.

James Burch, another teacher, quoted Mark Twain, telling students,

“Be careful of reading health books, you may die of a misprint.” And

followed it up with a quote from Rodney Dangerfield in the movie

“Back to School.” He told them to “always remember to look out for

No. 1 and don’t step in No. 2.”

And with a simple cue from Loco, -- “ready ... move,” the Ocean

View High Class of 2003 flipped the yellow tassels on their

graduation caps to the other side and hurled them forcefully into the

air.