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.”