Lower Lake High School held its commencement ceremony for the graduating Class of 2006 on Friday, June 9. The achievements of 103 students were celebrated on Sadler Field with 51 percent of those graduates looking at continuing their educations.
The ceremony included special recognitions, guest speaker and student presentations as well as incredible musical performances by graduating seniors. The honor of class valedictorian was served by Barbara Thayer and Bryce Brin was announced as salutatorian for the Class of 2006.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Senior Class President Sandra Ruiz; Brin, Danita Williams and Tiffany Shaw delivered a delightful performance of the National Anthem. Another amazing song presentation was shared by Alice Montgomery, Lindsay Morine and Chris Somer. With Morine on keyboard, Somer on guitar and Montgomery at the mic, the three combined for a spine-tingling performance of “Babe, I”m Gonna Leave You.”
Special recognitions included those for Kenny Hilger, who served the 2005-06 academic year as student representative to the Konocti board of trustees. Rotary Club foreign exchange students David Schaumann, of Germany; and Vanessa Ortencio, of Brazil; were also recognized. Schaumann conveyed his appreciation for his exchange student experience and against the suggestion of teacher Kris Tyner, he said that he would not be singing the theme song to “Flipper” as part of the ceremony. Ortencio also expressed appreciation for a wonderful “American” experience. She was especially grateful for the good friends and good memories she made as a Lower Lake student. “At this time I feel like I”m more American than Brazilian,” she said.
Frank Turdici, Konocti”s Teacher of the Year who is looking forward to retirement after serving the district for 22 years, received a standing ovation on his way to the podium. In his address to the graduating seniors, he reminded them that the only thing constant in this world is change. He urged them to make good decisions while keeping true to their passions and dreams and advised that the true key to success is measured in happiness not in currency.
Graduating senior Gregory Johnson also addressed his fellow classmates adding his humor and school spirit to his speech. His address included recognition for those students lost. “Andy Johnson ? We love you! And Nick Bowden ? This one”s for you!” he said, before exiting the stage while declaring, “Trojan Pride now ? Trojan Pride forever!”
Thayer said her valedictorian speech was difficult to write as all assignments she had conquered in her 13 years of schooling had been accompanied by requirements and formats. A friends, she said, advised her talk about what she knows about best (besides math), her friends. She spoke humorously in appreciation of school time memories, good, bad or other, she said and memories of teachers from whom she learned never to attack Russia in the winter.
Brin”s salutatorian address included advice for his fellow graduates. He told them to have fun but work hard. He also included advice for appreciating others. “Appreciate those you have in your life and let them know you love them,” Brin said. He closed his address with a challenge aimed his classmates: “Mend a relationship,” he said. “Drop the grudges because you”re all moving into the future at full speed.”
Lower Lake High School Class of 2006 includes:
John Andre, Sean Banks-Schwingen, Michelle Barber, Jacob Blair, Mary Blakely-Pulido, Bryce Brin, Shannon Brown, Raul Anguiano, Doshia Caradine, Annabel Cardenas, Robert Carlsen, Nicole Carter, Jason Compton, Ashlee Cummins, James Dahneke, Ryan Derum, Kevin Dodd, Richard Dorado-Lebow, Clarence Eachus, Kimberly Ellis, Sheena Erickson, Romel Escalona-Corina, Joshua Farris, Marisol Fernandez, amber Fernatt-Mederos, Weslee Ferrera, Brianna Fonseca, Rodger Fouche, Michael Franz, Jr., David Fry, Johnielynn Gaylor, Nikki Givens, Anthony Graff, Crystal Griffith, Anthony Grizz, III, Vanessa Guerrero, La”Keisha Harrison, Chiara Harvey, Tiffany Hernstedt, Kenny Hilger, Brittney Hollingsworth, Laura Hubbs, Frank Hughes, Miranda Hunt, Andrew Iannuzzi, Amanda Jackson-Haddan, Steven Jessen, Jr., Sarah Johnston-Andrews, Chelsea Kahl, Jackson Kaiser, Rahsheka Keith, Ashley Kelleher, Ashley King, Melissa Ladner, Bryce Lane, Brandon Larson, Katherine Louviere, James Mann, Jack Marage, Nick McAllister, Jason McCuan, Taylor McDowell, Anna Mifsud-Nielsen, David Miller, James Milligan, Alice Montgomery, Lindsay Morine, Alyssa Myrick, JoAnna Nowinsky, Francisco Olivares, Liliana Olivares, Oscar Olivares, Ricardo Diaz, Vanessa Ortencio, Jamie Oswald, Jr., Mauricio Perez, Roy Perez, Michael Perez-Arce, Susan Phanhsy, Jonathon, Philpot, Gregory Prior, Jr., Rhonda Quesenberry, Mathew Ralls, Kasey Ramirez, Julianna Rosarioereys, Katelynn Ross, Sandra Ruiz, Denise Santana, David Schaumann, Tiffany Shaw, Corey Sherrell, Amber Sims, Jackie Smith, Jennifer Solorzano, Christopher Somer, Justine Stockwell, Jose Suarez, Carly Swatosh, Justin Taketa, Barbara Thayer, Betty Thayer, Linda Torres, Ashley Weiper, Anthony Williams, Danita Williams, Zarah Wilsey and Bianca Woodberry.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
