At ceremony, students urged to heed passions and hug parents
More than 700 Vikings joined the alumni ranks Thursday during Santa Monica High School’s 149th graduation ceremony.
“Four years have been like the blink of an eye,” said Jose Lopez, a teacher at Samohi, who kicked off the ceremony by reminding students of the importance of passion.
“For true happiness, you must listen to your heart,” he said. “To love is to live.”
A handful of class leaders read poems and sang songs at Samohi’s Memorial Greek Theater for the class of 2003, whose students wore robes of gold and blue.
Rochelle Amber Boyd dedicated her poem, “If We Only Had Love,” not just to all 3,500-plus people present, but “to the whole world.”
“If we only have love, we can bury all the knives, not push, not shove, but live peaceful lives,” said Boyd, whose poem was met with a roaring standing ovation.
Christine Yi, the senior class president, sang a song originally performed by R&B group Boyz 2 Men entitled “Hard To Say Goodbye.” Before she could finish, Yi, who was overcome by tears, was met with booming applause.
But it wasn’t only students on the stage Thursday. Administrators also took the opportunity to pass last-minute pearls of wisdom to the audience.
Principal Ilene Straus reminded them to be grateful to their parents, who have given each of the students “roots and wings.”
“Give them a hug, tell them you love them and let them take as many pictures as they want to,” she said to laughter.
“Give them a hug, tell them you love them and let them take as many pictures as they want to.” — – ILENE STRAUS Samohi principal
Ninety-five percent of Samohi’s 705 graduates plan to continue their education. More than 130 will go on to University of California campuses, with another 76 going to California state schools.
More than 140 of this year’s graduates will go on to private schools and 23 will study in public schools out of state, said Clara Beard, a college counselor at Samohi.
Another 200-plus will continue their studies at community colleges.
The graduates have earned nearly $1 million in scholarships and grants, Straus said.
But not all the students are going straight back to school next fall. Seven students said they plan to take a break to do some traveling and 29 kids will go directly into the workforce, Beard said.
Another four plan to join the military academy.
About 70 students either didn’t know what they want to do next or didn’t report their plans to school administrators.
The most important thing, said Superintendent John Deasy, is that graduates move ahead as men and women of integrity, to speak and act honestly no matter what the cost.
“Wherever you go and whatever you do,” he said. “You will always be a graduate of Samohi and make us proud.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 20, 2003. Read the original PDF.