Think it, achieve it

Lauren Vane

Ocean View High School was the only Huntington Beach high school

recognized this year as a California Distinguished School. On June 15

the senior class celebrated this accomplishment among many others as

they graduated and leapt into the real world.

Dressed in the Seahawk colors of cardinal red and gold, the

students walked down a palm tree-lined path to receive their

diplomas. As each name was called, horns sounded and cheers erupted

from pockets of the Westminster High School stadium, where the

graduation ceremony was held.

“Four years, 740 days, today -- the day we graduate and the day we

grow up, sort of,” said Senior Class speaker Lindsey Mitchell, who

dedicated the speech to her friends.

Mitchell urged her classmates to rush after their dreams without

hesitation.

“Instead of thinking of a goal -- achieve it,” Mitchell said.

Howard Isom, a history teacher at Ocean View, has witnessed many

graduations throughout his 30-year career with the school district.

“It’s always fun to see kids move on to the next level,” said

Isom, who was working crowd control at the busy graduation ceremony.

“This is a rite of passage for high school students,” Isom said.

“This is the moment they step out into the real world and move on.”

Throughout the ceremony, the stadium bleachers remained packed

with friends and family who had come to support their graduates.

Class Valedictorian Alisha Armas reflected upon the class’

four-year high school experience.

“The story of the past four years at Ocean View has been such an

adventure,” Armas said.

Teachers Larry Hazlett and Caroline Brandon spoke to the class and

offered words of wisdom.

Hazlett stressed the importance of traveling and exploring.

“Huntington Beach will always be here for you but it becomes

increasingly difficult to leave as times goes by,” Hazlett said.

The teachers left the seniors with a rap that elicited a roaring

laugh from the seated graduates.

“Ocean View, ‘05, high five, keep it alive!” the teachers chanted

as they exited the stage.

After the class sang the school’s alma mater, they moved their

tassels from right to left and threw hats in the air. The crowds in

the bleachers broke loose and stormed the field in a rush of

congratulations.