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Karin Chou celebrates graduation. She plans to study business and administration at UC-Riverside.
Photograph by Sebastian Widmann
Look Out World
Student speaker poses the question: Is life ready for this group?
By Leigh Ann Maze
The 282 members of the Saratoga High School Class of 2000 had their moment to shine in the sun, literally, at their graduation ceremony June 15 on the Benny Pierce Field on campus. But the intensity of the sun was no match to the strong emotions of excitement, uncertainty, hope and fear that many of the graduates were feeling as they participated in the ceremony dressed in blue and silver gowns representing the millennium.
Photograph by Sebastian Widmann
Kristen Katz shares an embrace with a fellow graduate. They've been there through thick and thin.
Instead of having adult speakers dispensing the wisdom of the ages and advice at this important turning point for the graduates, the ceremony was dominated by those it was celebrating--the SHS graduating seniors.
Photograph by Sebastian Widmann
And SHS teachers are on hand to cheer their students on. Among the cheerleaders are (from left) Dan McBride, Laura Whitmore, Michelle Lee, Lisa Cochrum and Jenny Garcia.
From the obligatory playing of Pomp and Circumstance by the SHS band to the graduation speeches and reading of diplomas, it was the students themselves who spoke to the many emotions their classmates and the jubilant crowd shared that night.
Photograph by Sebastian Widmann
Saratoga graduates congratulate each other after the ceremony.
Most spoke of shared experiences, life lessons and stories from their time together at Saratoga High School. Some tried to peer into what the future might hold for them--or in the case of senior Andrew Bosworth, who gave a speech, what the graduates hold for the future.
George Ku gave a blast of enthusiasm with a blow horn. He plans to study at UC-San Diego.
Photograph by Sebastian Widmann
All the speakers credited their families, friends and the SHS community that has supported them from childhood to the graduation podium. Graduate Adrienne Osborne's speech said it best.
Photograph by Sebastian Widmann
Umbrellas and sun hats were much in evidence as SHS students graduated on a sunny June 15.
"We stand here on the verge of graduation, but not from high school, we stand here ready to graduate into life. Into our future. And you know what? If I was the future, I would be a little scared of this group right here. We have been training for life and we are ready for it. The question now is--is life ready for us?"
Bryce Kurtz-Fenster and his sister get silly after the ceremony with Silly String.
Photograph by Sebastian Widmann
"We are here today because we learned to talk by listening to your conversations ... to solve our own problems by observing as you tried to solve yours. Because you encouraged us to think ... supported us in and out of school ... taught us history or physics or how to ride a bike, and because you gave us of your time and your energy and your love ... .We are living breathing works of art. We are your masterpieces."
Waiting patiently to blow her horn in celebration is Katey Glime.
Photograph by Sebastian Widmann
The graduates received their diplomas and a long-stem rose. As the last name was called, Paul Zebb III, the newly graduated and their family and friends erupted into a cheer. Principal Kevin Skelly introduced the 2000 graduates and silver and blue mortar boards filled the air. "Free at last! Free at last!" one graduate yelled as he hopped over the roped off area where the graduates sat to find his family.
Photograph by Sebastian Widmann
Tracey Fransden, SHS assistant principal, offers Catherine Smith a nice cool drink of water.
For many graduates, the ceremony was the end to four, and in some cases 13 years of school together with their classmates. After following the set path of public education for their entire lives, the graduates now set out on many different paths, that they themselves will choose. Many parents as well saw their last child graduate from high school.
Photograph by Sebastian Widmann
Andrew Hollenhorst does double-duty playing in the band and graduating.
After the ceremony the graduates were showered with flowered leis, bouquets, hugs, balloons and congratulations from their families and friends who braved the heat to witness their moment in the sun.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
