As Wednesday evening’s 90-degree heat gradually subsided, Palo Alto High School’s class of 2007 moved into the next stage of their lives. The sweltering heat did not prevent proud family and friends from watching their students accept their diplomas, as the Paly quad overflowed with well-wishers.

The ceremony for Paly’s 110th graduating class began with the traditional processional, “Pomp and Circumstance”, played by the Paly band. After the 433 seniors seated themselves, graduating seniors Arunima Kohli, Jasmine Mark, and Gwen Sullivan sang the national anthem.

Senior Class President Tyler Stetson welcomed the crowd and presented the 2007 class gift. Stetson announced that the class of 2007 will be donating $1000 to the PTSA, specifically to fund the school’s garden project.

Will Frazier delivered the first of two commencement addresses. Frazier, who transferred to Paly in the middle of ninth grade, said he was accepted and embraced by the Paly society. Frazier went on to mention some of the accomplishments that he and his classmates have undertaken in the past four years.

The second speaker was Greer Stone. In an attempt to captivate and amuse the audience, Stone began his speech with a playful imitation of “our wonderful President George W. Bush.” Stone documented his journey from the first day of elementary school through his high school experience at Paly, highlighting many humorous events along the way.

After the speeches, Kate Cravens and Anthony Wang both rendered musical solos. Cravens sang “Stand By Me” by The Temptations, while Wang played guitar and sang “No Such Thing” by John Mayer.

Assistant Principal Katya Villalobos spoke of the graduating class’ numerous achievements that included: qualifying for the NorCal Championship for football, receiving various scholar awards, and bestowing the class gift of service to the community.

With Villalobos’ presentation of the class of 2007, superintendents Mary Frances Callan and Scott Bowers, in addition to Board of Education members Gail Price and Barb Mitchell, gave the students their diplomas.

Notable among the crowd was senior Daniel Blaine Marchant. As the only publicly identified student involved in the senior prank that took place Tuesday, June 5, Marchant had originally not been permitted to graduate with his class. However, Principal Scott Laurence stepped in before the ceremony and allowed Marchant to participate.

With proud family and friends applauding, the graduates were called up for the last time as high schoolers and presented with their diplomas. The calling of Marchant’s name ignited thunderous applause from his peers and other onlookers. After the announcement of the last senior name, the graduates threw off their hats and cheered.

For more information on where this years graduates are off to, visit:

http://voice.paly.net/view_story?id=5553