SAMOHI Before the sun set on the longest day of the year, it did so on the high school careers of more than 600 graduating seniors.
The Class of 2007 celebrated the end of an era on Thursday, coming together, donning their blue caps and gowns, in a graduation ceremony before their parents and loved ones.
The Memorial Greek Theatre was filled with the exuberant cheers of parents, some wiping away tears of happiness, others beaming proudly as they watched their children march down the steps during the processional. One proud parent in attendance held a sign that read, “That’s my boy!”
Each of the student speakers took the senior class on a trip down memory lane, asking that they reflect on the past four years, a period filled with ups and downs, laughter and heartache, new and broken relationships. Throughout their speeches, former schoolmate Eddie Lopez, who was shot and killed in February 2006, was often mentioned.
Speaker Michela Fitten remembered her first day of freshman year. A nervous wreck, Fitten ended up ditching her first three classes, afraid of the “40 pairs of glaring eyes of judgment” and spending the first few hours in Taco Bell instead.
Now, on the last day of high school, Fitten seemed proud that she wasn’t still hiding out in Taco Bell, but was instead addressing a speech before thousands of pairs of eyes. It was not a daunting experience, but was exhilarating, Fitten said. “(Today), we honor the uniqueness of every individual that makes up our class,” she said.
The Class of 2007 set a school record with 21 valedictorian candidates,said Dr.Hugo Pedroza,who is completing his first year as principal. Nathaniel Miller was selected as the valedictorian. Coming in second was Nora Casey, honored as the salutatorian.
On top of the extraordinary number of valedictorian candidates, Pedroza announced that approximately 88 percent of the senior class has been accepted to college. “(The Class of 2007) is the smartest, best prepared senior class Samohi has ever produced,” Pedroza said, drawing a cheer from the graduating contingent.
“The future begins one moment from now,” Pedroza said, alluding to the presentation of diplomas about to begin.
Life after high school — something that many of these students have pondered throughout the past four years, wrestling with decisions on where to attend college and which career path to take.
In kindergarten, everyone is asked what they would like to be when they grow up, said Keith Kilgore Jr. in his speech. The responses are usually firefighter, policeman or professional athlete, he added.
Kilgore himself wanted to be the shortest player in the National Football League at 5’10,” he joked.
He finally accepted this year that football isn’t in the cards for him, now embracing a possible career in teaching.
“I’m actually grateful for homework, lessons, time spent in the classroom,” Kilgore said.
Calling Santa Monica High School a stepping stone, Kilgore addressed the graduating class, asking “What do you want to be when you grow up because today is the (beginning) of the rest of our lives.”
Graduation is an equally emotional experience for parents, many of whom will see their child depart to college after 18 years in the nest.
“You helped these graduates arrive at this pinnacle,” said Superintendent Dianne Talarico in commending each and every parent.
Among the proud parents was Kathy Viault who watched her son Daniel graduate.
“It’s a little bit sad because it’s gone by so fast,” she said.“I’m sad to see him grow up, but happy at the same time and excited to see him go on in the future,whether it’s college or tech school.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 22, 2007. Read the original PDF.