“Part of that was driven by your desire to be with your classmates. … It was about getting to be in the presence of your adored teachers.”
Hereford said he’s excited for the students’ bright future ahead.
He told the Class of 2021 that he’s “thankful for all that you did to help us stay in person this year, and for your leadership by example for our younger students, but I’m most thankful for your appreciation of your instructors and all that they’ve done for you in your Upper School years.”
Finnegan Walker, a member of the Class of 2021 and student body president, provided the student address at the commencement.
“Well, Class of 2021, we made it,” Walker said. “We survived the long, four years of high school, and now it’s finally time to let go, celebrate your hard work, your dedication, your resilience that we showed as a class of 32 students.
“Small but mighty. Our class is standing ready to graduate and move on in the next step in our journey. Leaving our community of friends, teachers and family behind, all while being grateful for their love and never-ending support.”
Head of Upper School Melissa Alkire presented awards to the valedictorian Hongwen ("Lucas") Chen and salutatorian Ziqian ("Violet") Zhou.
Laguna Blanca faculty member Erik Faust was selected by the senior class to deliver the commencement address.
Families and friends who were unable to attend the in-person commencement ceremony could watch a livestream on Zoom.
Laguna Blanca School, with campuses in Hope Ranch and Montecito, is a nonprofit, co-educational, college preparatory day school for students in early kindergarten through 12th grade.