Grads get their send-off

Laguna Beach High School’s Class of 2006 received their diplomas in front of more than 2,000 onlookers in Irvine Bowl June 22.

Family, friends and students watched as the ceremony kicked off with the school’s staff filing in wearing black robes.

Students then followed, with the girls in white robes and the boys clad in maroon.

An orchestra presided on stage as the traditional speeches and honors were carried out in front of the graduates.

The five district board members, Superintendent Theresa Daem and principal Nancy Blade held a view from behind the stage’s microphone.

Associate Student Body President Dylan Sachse led the pledge of allegiance.

Valedictorian Rachael Marcus gave a polished and colorful speech, drawing on a mixed bag of quotes and insight.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind,” she quoted Dr. Seuss.

Marcus emphasized it was important not to let high school be the high point of life. She also showed wisdom beyond her curriculum.

“I never let schooling interfere with my education,” she said, quoting Mark Twain.

Amanda Kerrigan spanned decades and music genres to question what it means to be free. From rapper Kanye West to folk singer Bob Dylan she explored this notion.

“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom,” she said, quoting Bob Dylan.

English teacher Mike Roach gave a speech in which he said his high school graduation speeches in the 1960s similarly addressed war, inflation, economy and conservation.

Roach said he felt his generation let younger generations down and hoped the same mistakes would not be made.

He also pointed out that Albert Einstein and Henry Ford never graduated from high school. “Too late for you guys,” he joked.

Leading up to their final high school moments, Blade certified that they met the requirements, Daem recommended them for graduation and Whalen declared them eligible.

Mark Tiner, who would have graduated with the class but was killed in a car accident over Memorial Day weekend in 2000, was honored with his picture being displayed on the main screen before individual diplomas were handed out.

As each class member walked the stage to receive their diploma, their baby pictures were shown on the main screen.

The audience cheered each graduate, with an occasional air horn and bang-pops set off.

The ceremony closed with Blade instructing the grads to move the tassels on their caps from left to right. The caps were then flung into the air in a classic exiting gesture.

The class’s post-party was held at Game Works in Long Beach, with food and games on the menu.

cpt-30-grads-dl-CPhotoInfoN11SFQB520060630j1n4z9ncDON LEACH / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)A host of Laguna Beach grads get together for a photo-op moments before commencement ceremonies at Irvine Bowl.