Amid teary parents and friends hugging goodbye, the Palo Alto High School Class of 2009 looked back on the Paly quad for the last time this afternoon.
The commencement ceremony began with a prelude performance from the Paly Symphonic band under the batons of teachers David Brigham and Jeff Willner. The band, which performed in the absence of its senior members, played an arrangement of the Grand March from Aida by Giuseppe Verde prior to the ceremony. The band then launched into its performance of Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance as the graduating seniors filed down the aisle to take their seats near the stage.
After a unique rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by seniors Joerelle and Jovan Bennett, ASB President Erik Klingbeil began his commencement speech on a serious note by contrasting global problems such as poverty with the many privileges and opportunities that he has been fortunate to have as a student living in Palo Alto.
“For me, life is not a daily struggle for survival,” Klingbeil said. “My life is choosing from the many opportunities I have.”
Following Klingbeil was senior Jessica Brooks’ speech titled “Ten Seconds.” Brooks began her speech by reflecting on the growth she has had over her four years of high school.
Brooks next recalled last year’s commencement ceremony, during which Brooks noted that each senior only had 10 seconds to cross the stage “to move on from high school to adult.” Brooks called on her fellow classmates to “not think about who you’re becoming, but who you’ve always been.”
Between events, several seniors stood up a chanted a spirited rendition of “All Star” by Smashmouth, a spontaneous addition to the program. Their performance was followed by senior Alex Nee, who gave a soulful performance on the acoustic guitar of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel.
Senior Christian Guerrero’s speech began on a light-hearted note and was filled with enthusiasm as he expressed his admiration for his fellow classmates, especially as a new student at Paly last year.
“I was blown away by the talent I found here every single day,” Guerrero said. “I was smiling all of the time — it’s like a Bob Marley song every day.”
Guerrero said that he was impressed by students who juggled academic talent with athletic prowess, mentioning senior Skyler Cummins who would “run farther than Forrest Gump” as well as senior Charlie Avis who would “bike to immortality,” amid laughter from the audience.
Guerrero ended his speech with a serious message as he expressed his belief in the importance of passion for life.
“I just want you all to remember that no matter what you do, make sure you love it,” Guerrero said. “Forget what people expect of you…there really isn’t anything better than living in the moment.”
On behalf of the graduating class, senior Becky Byler thanked Paly teachers, parents and her friends as she presented the class gift. The class decided to donate its remaining funds to Camp Everytown because of its efforts to increase tolerance and prevent discrimination among the student body.
Prior to the procession, Principal Jacqueline McEvoy gave her commencement speech as she honored the graduating students for their many achievements.
“What I’ve observed goes far beyond a narrow view of academic achievement,” McEvoy said. “These students have shown us that learning is not confined to the four walls of a classroom.”
McEvoy also referenced the recent tragedies as she said, “relationships serve as a true foundation for successes in life, and it is our relationships that support us.”
Following Board of Education President Barbara Mitchell’s acceptance of the Class of 2009, superintendent Kevin Skelly, assistant superintendent Scott Bowers, PAUSD chief business officer Cathy Mak, and board member Camille Townsend presented the graduates with their diplomas as they walked across the stage. Paly teachers Eric Bloom, Letitia Burton, Deanna Chute, Arne Lim, Allye Mullins and Misha Vereyken read the students’ names.
After the traditional cap throw and photo opportunities, the newly graduated Class of 2009 left for a party at an undisclosed location to celebrate the students’ accomplishments.
A photo essay of the graduation ceremony can be viewed here.
Editor’s note: Congratulations to graduating Voice members Grace LaPier, Connie Yang, Gillian Lui, Dan Schwartz, Michael Bloch, Colin Byrne, Phil Homnack, Phil Martin, Jason Park, Vienna Tran, Seung-Yeon Choi, Megha Ram, Anna Bastidas, Cally Berg, Cory McCroskey, Amin Ronaghi, Tamar Ben-Shachar and Karl Gillespie. Thank you for all your contributions to Voice. Try not to forget us when you’ve moved on to bigger and better things.