The big event
Coral Wilson
Cheering crowds packed the stands for one of the most popular events
at Huntington Beach High School’s football stadium. “Pomp and
Circumstance” played loudly over the speakers, replacing the usual
fight songs, and more than 450 students in black robes raced down the
track. But unlike the start of most events held throughout the year,
the outcome had already been determined -- the fight had already been
won.
“I feel like my struggles have finally resolved,” George Boulos,
18, said. “I’ve been fighting for 12 years and now the war is over.”
The crowd went wild, hanging over the fence in search of their
favorite star. They blew kisses, whistled, blew horns and waved
wildly to attract a simple smile in return. Lines of graduates bowed
their heads to protect their hats from the wind, but their glances
upward at the crowd revealed broad smiles and glowing hearts -- both
parents and graduates were equally proud.
“It’s all going by so fast,” Alicia Velazquez, 18, said. “You
never think about this day but it’s finally here and you don’t want
it to end.”
Tears of joy were mixed with those of sadness for 18-year-old
twins Usha and Vanessa Thulsiraj. The sisters, who have never spent
more than two weeks apart, plan to part roads at the end of the
summer to attend separate universities. They are still unsure how
they will cope.
Having a twin sister made getting through high school a little
easier, Usha Thulsiraj said. There was always someone there to study
with, to ease the pressure and to provide notes for missed classes,
she said.
Usha Thulsiraj said she is up for the adventure.
“I’m ready to move on and see what lies ahead,” she said. “There
is some self-doubt. But those who let fear guide their lives are
missing out.”
Some parents beamed with pride and then heaved a sigh of relief.
Jenia Billington of Huntington Beach said it had been tough raising
her daughters as a single parent while working to finish her own
degree.
Just five years ago, Billington finally graduated from Cal State
Fullerton. Now with her daughter, Elisabeth Billington, graduating
and pursuing studies in either fashion design or law, the future
looked bright for them both.
“She was determined to finish and is determined to go forward,”
Jenia Billington said. “She’s not a high school dropout -- it could
happen to anyone.”
Commencement speakers congratulated past accomplishments, recalled
the good times the class had shared and reflected the prevalent
feeling of hope for the future.
“We are the minds of the future, we cannot be hindered by fear,”
speaker Rachel Wong said. “It is time to leave our mark and make
history of our own.”
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