With a nod to the past, Samohi grads head into the future
SAMOHI — Amid an evening of remembrance, reflection and revelry, Santa Monica High School’s graduating class of 2006 bid an emotional farewell Thursday to the campus that became their home, and the strangers who became family.
In a relatively brief ceremony filled with laughter, tears and intermittent shouts from prideful parents and well-wishers, Samohi’s 664 graduating seniors recalled the good times and the bad, from the shooting death of fellow student Eduardo “Eddie” Lopez and the racial tension that ignited a brawl, to rising student achievement and the free hip-hop concert with Kayne West — all the while, looking optimistically towards the challenges that lie ahead.
“Let’s face it, our parents have left us with a difficult world to work with,” senior Alissa Escarce told the excited crowd of more than 1,000 who packed the school’s Greek Theater for the 152nd commencement. “But I believe we have the talent, the determination and the experience to turn it around. If anyone can patch up the ozone layer, cure AIDS and bring about world peace, it’s the class of 2006.”
Dressed in royal blue caps and gowns, their bright yellow tassels swinging in the cool, evening breeze, students from all walks of life were serenaded by underclassmen as they made their way through campus and into the theater. Family and friends stood nearby snapping pictures. A few parents rushed passed security to shower their sons and daughters with hugs and kisses, embarrassing some, bringing others to tears.
One student, overcome with excitement, shouted: “I’ll never have to come back again.”
Neither will Ilene Straus, the lead principal at Samohi, who announced last month that she will be leaving the high school upon completion of the school year. Straus, a former principal at Lincoln Middle School, said she has seen many of the seniors grow physically, mentally and emotionally.
“When we met, I was actually taller than some of you,” Straus said. “That is clearly no longer the case at all. I have seen you grow in inches and also have seen you mature from young adolescents to accomplished young adults … I want you to know the class before you represents some amazingly hard work and achievement.”
Straus said the graduating class included 13 valedictorians who have earned straight As throughout their high school careers.
More than 99.9 percent of seniors graduated the California High School Exit Exam, which is required to receive a diploma.
Most important, according to Straus, is that 90 percent of the graduating class will be going on to college, with 57 percent heading for a four-year university, including some of the most prestigious in the nation. Seniors will receive $2.5 million in scholarships.
Straus offered some advice to the seniors, recommending that over the next four years they explore many new opportunities, expand their horizons and, most importantly, find a profession that fills them with passion.
“We all know the road ahead will not be a smooth one,” Straus said.“Yet life is so much richer for the lessons you didn’t expect to learn … Learn throughout the journey and don’t just focus on the destination. Be good to your communities, take care of your parents and always find time to learn. Most importantly, don’t settle.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 23, 2006. Read the original PDF.