Laguna Blanca Celebrates 82nd Commencement

Many of the students already know where they are going next. Others plan to take time off or serve in other ways before diving into college.

"Admission to an institute of higher learning is only part of the journey," said history teacher Stephen Chan, who was chosen by the students to give the commencement speech. "An important part, of course, but just one part that will take you over the course of your whole lifetimes."

The commencement is small enough that each senior gets a vignette, something close to a minute honoring their achievements, read by Meghan Roarty and Shane Lopes.

The senior character award was given to Alexis Yabsley and Cameron Morello. Armon Ghodoussi was valedictorian. Alexis Yabsley earned the senior project award.

Associated Student Body President Pierce O'Donnell gave a brief, inspirational speech.

"Keep your belief boundless, your effort relentless, and your passion infectious," he said. "And to those who tell us we cannot, those who doubt and question us, and those who count us out, thank you all for the motivation." He then handed over the title of ASB President to Grace MacNeil.

Jacqueline Berci, elected by the class as student speaker, spoke of a field trip to Yosemite National Park that at the time was remembered for the cold and the rainy conditions, but she now realizes was a bonding moment for the class.

"We have been extraordinarily lucky to be a part of the community where the students, teachers, and faculty have been passionate about being Laguna Blanca Owls," she said referring to the school's mascot.

Stephen Chan's commencement speech took students back in time to his Uncle Willy, in order to show how not to take their degrees for granted. His uncle had a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in education and really wanted to be a teacher.

"But this was 1948 and nobody would hire an Asian-American educator," he said.

Thinking he could teach in China after the revolution, he wound up being killed for the very education he loved dearly, being tarred as a capitalist.

"I am reminded every day when I come to teach at Laguna Blanca school that I have achieved something he couldn't," he said. "And I am proud to say that I have taught nearly every one of you sitting here today. I am proud to be a part of your journey, and I can honestly tell you, you are the most memorable class I have ever taught."