Grads get their gowns

Laguna Beach High School’s graduation ceremony, planned for June 22 at Irvine Bowl, represents an enduring tradition of closure for some 200 seniors.

Rachael Marcus said she was shocked to learn that, as the first in her class, she would address the assemblage of students and family members.

Marcus found out just days before graduation that she is “valedictorian scholar of scholars,” as the high school phrases her new title.

“This is very surprising to me,” Marcus said. “Principal Blade called the night after exams. It’s all very last minute.”

But she’s earned it. The senior knew she was previously ranked in the second and third spots, but always figured the top spot was a little too far to grasp.

“I took some classes that weren’t honors level, so I thought that would keep me down,” she said.

The features editor for the school’s paper and a member of the gymnastics team, Marcus has also kept busy tutoring fifth graders. She is also a National Merit Scholarship finalist, Outstanding Student of America, Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a Wendy Heisman Award nominee. She has been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for four years.

She has also received high school Excellence Awards in Honors English, computer graphics and biology. Additionally, she has received commendations from the Model United Nations and has earned several Golden State Exam Excellence Awards.

“She is down-to-earth and understated. She doesn’t view herself as better than others. She is completely lacking in any kind of arrogance,” neighbor Leslie Elliott said.

Next fall, Marcus said she plans to attend Reed College in Oregon.

Though caught between decisions leading to a career in medicine vs. journalism, Marcus said she is “very excited” about college.

This summer, she will travel in Europe for two weeks and spend time with her grandfather in the High Sierras.cpt.23-val-CPhotoInfo1K1S8EKH20060623j18oxnncLaguna Beach High School Valedictorian 2006 Rachael Marcus.