Washing away high school

Suzie Harrison

A DJ spun an eclectic mix that suited the upbeat atmosphere.

Poolside, some students were signing yearbooks, while others were

eating, socializing and waiting to see if their name was called to

win one of the free raffles, which included iPods, sweatshirts and a

Hydro Epic surfboard.

Yes, it was a good way for the Laguna Beach High seniors to

celebrate graduation.

“A highlight was walking around campus throwing random

underclassmen in the pool,” David Spangler, 18, said.

Morgan Plant, 17, enjoyed the less interactive pleasure of eating

pancakes and remembering some high school treasures.

“There were some insane flapjacks,” Morgan said. “Highlights

include when Brendan Elling wore a visor to school. He’s a legend,

just because he’s a great kid.”

Lin Louage, 18, an exchange student from Belgium appreciates the

experience she has had.

“Just the fact of being a senior is so special here, so many

things are going on, all these things are organized for us,” Lin

said.

She said through AFS, a student exchange program, she wanted to

experience an American high school.

“There’s a big difference. Being a senior at home is nothing; here

it’s huge,” Lin said.

Cathrine Ahlborn, 17, an exchange student from Norway said the

experience has been like all the things that one sees in the movies.

“It’s a lot easier, that’s been fun. It hasn’t been a challenging

year. It’s been like a little vacation,” Cathrine said.

Jimmy Hammersmith, 18, said he is going to remember getting to

know everybody and going to the beach.

“I’m looking forward to graduation -- I’m stoked about it,” he

said. “Today I’m just watching everybody have a good time.”

Brett O’Connor, 18, said he probably liked football the most,

which gave him partial merit to get into the University of San Diego.

“I’ll mostly miss my friends and living by the beach,” he said.

Loren Polster, 18, said the highlight for him would have to be

everybody in the senior class.

“It had to be one of the coolest that I thought we could have,”

Polster said. “When I was a freshman the seniors were bullies. [With

our class] everyone is super nice and wants to get along.”

He said he is going to miss everyone, mainly his friends and

parents taking care of him.

After the pool party, the students were ready to hit the beach

with only three days left until they graduated.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at (949) 494-4321 or

suzie.harrison@latimes.com.