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Nicole Culbertson embraces a friend after the Saratoga High School graduation.
Photograph by George Sakkestad
Picture Perfect
It was a night just made for snapping shutters
By Jason Baker
The Creator could not have painted a more perfect backdrop than the clear blue skies and arboreal skyline that framed the Saratoga High School Class of 1999's last moments as a student body. Warm breezes gently ruffled gowns and tassels as the 232 graduates paraded to the stage, flanked by parents and grandparents, sisters, brothers and friends, all on hand to pay homage to the victorious scholars.
Through words and song, the Class of 1999 honored not only themselves but those who guided their paths, mentors who instilled in them the courage and wisdom each of us must possess to make that leap of faith into adulthood. Some graduates spoke of past friends, some of future dreams and at least one shared the wisdom of a man named Seuss. Amazing how the rhymes of childhood often find more clarity with age.
Approaching the podium to receive the diplomas marking both an end and a beginning, each student drew cheers from loved ones rising for victory yells.
From Kathryn Ann Abraham to David Bernell Zisser, the reading of each name brought hoots and hollers, cheers, tears and the occasional air horn, trumpeting the start of something special. Grandfathers with little hair turned to their sons with thinning hair and beamed as young lads with stars in their eyes descended the stage, more men now than boys. Mothers clasped hands with grandmothers as daughters crossed the threshold, leaving behind braces and bows for the glories of womanhood.
As the last name was read and the flashbulbs continued to pop, somewhere in the back of the crowd a baby began to howl its own congratulations, as if knowing he or she too would someday take the stage to receive the keys to the future. But on this day, it was the hour of the Graduates of 1999. Cheers to the past and best wishes for the future.
Graduation '99: More photos from Saratoga High School's graduation ceremony.
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Saratoga, California Since 1975
