Just the beginning

Suzie Harrison

The Laguna Beach High School class of 2004 showed just how important

the day was through their enthusiasm and cheers.

Before the ceremony on June 17, the school colors -- donned by the

seniors in their graduate garb -- mingled in a collage of pride. Some

wore leis, as the students cheered, chanted and sang songs before

their procession into the Irvine Bowl for the ceremonies.

“Nah, nah, nah, nah -- nah, nah, nah, nah -- hey, hey -- goodbye!”

The perpetual clapping, cheering and hugging continued whenever

possible. The crowd roared as the 197 seniors entered the bowl.

“Ladies and gentlemen I’d like to present the class of 2004,”

Principal Nancy Blade said.

Deafening cheers followed as the graduates strolled the aisles,

stopping along the way to get pictures taken and give hugs before

they took their seats.

Directed by Roxana Ward the Laguna Beach High School Chorus sang

“You Raise Me Up,” by Josh Groban, which brought the crowd to its

feet.

“It is now my honor to introduce to you the valedictorian Jeremy

Graves,” Blade said.

He greeted the crowd with reflection and a philosophical tone.

“Friends, teachers, families and graduates, in these times of

social, scientific and personal change, many feel at a loss how to

proceed,” Jeremy said.

He gave an analogy of troubled times being like a boat on choppy

waters with character and faith being the anchor.

“We must give ourselves up to a higher being or cause -- live for

that fully perfect self and shine light out into the world like a

beacon for those who are lost,” Jeremy said.

He spoke of passion and love’s curing properties, ending with the

thoughts of how they will soar.

Jonathon Bernard followed and delivered the senior address.

He spoke of a recent conversation with his 70-year-old

grandfather, telling him that his experience and recent years have

been extraordinarily wonderful, living and learning in Laguna Beach.

He shared about the long-lasting friendships he has formed and the

diversity of lifestyles here.

“It’s [Laguna] so beautiful I feel like I live in a postcard,”

Bernard said. “Life doesn’t get much better than this.”

He said Laguna Beach has been their cocoon that has pampered and

protected them.

“Today we leave that cocoon and head out on our own,” Bernard

said.

He described that high school consisted of a lot of firsts for

many -- first kisses, detentions, failing grades, championships and

other firsts he will always remember.

“I’ll miss Laguna Beach High School -- part of me is glad to move

on, and part of me wants to stay here forever,” Bernard said.

He was followed by the graduate address by math teacher Gary

Shapiro whose speech was mostly humor and advice.

“Don’t let school interfere with your education,” Shapiro said.

“As long as there are math tests, there will always be prayer. You

need to avoid cliches like the plague.”

He told them that they are a great bunch of graduates.

“I have high expectations and won’t be disappointed,” Shapiro

said. “You are our future. I’m proud to say that I’ve been your

teacher.”

. Shapiro, the other teachers and the School Board were given a

standing ovation as they waited to hear the words they were wanting

to hear most.

“On behalf of the board we present and accept the class of 2004,”

board President El Hathaway said.

Proudly, each graduate took center stage as their names were

called and they received their diplomas. Many stopped to give hugs.

Marisa Reisman, who will be attending Yale in the fall, said she

really loved her senior year.

“Everyone is friends with everyone, people are totally accepted

for who they are at this point,” Marisa said. “I’m going to miss the

people, the drama department, the beach, the entire town and the

community feeling of being in a place I’m totally comfortable.”

Morgan Olsen said that she will miss the dances and the times she

spent with her friends.

“I’m also going to miss seeing those random faces that I won’t see

again,” Morgan said. “Like the guy who sits behind you in math class

-- someone you won’t ever see again.”

She said she is going to miss all the good times in high school

and all the freedom.

“You only have to worry about yourself,” Morgan said.