LOWER LAKE — The end of the year at Lower Lake High School culminated with 132 graduates walking across the stage to receive their diplomas. After the ceremony, which was held on Friday, several of the graduates boarded a bus bound for Disneyland and its annual grad night celebration. Principal Jeff Dixon served in welcoming all to the ceremony. After introducing board trustees, all of whom were present, including student representative Emmelina Illia; Dixon continued with special recognition of Director of Maintenance Dana Moore. The crowd expressed their gratitude for all the improvements being realized across the district with a great roar of applause and cheers. Later in the program Dixon recognized California Highway Patrol Public Relations Officer and Lower Lake alumnus Adam Garcia as this year”s Citizen of the Year for his extensive work with the students and the Every 15 Minutes program. He also recognized graduate Brandan Ambrecht for four years of perfect attendance. School board president Herb Gura took the podium briefly to recognize Konocti Unified Superintendent Dr. Louise Nan, who is leaving after a three-year reign at the helm of the district. Dr. Nan will be replaced with Dr. Bill MacDougall as of June 30. Senior Class Vice President Cece Burgher led in the Pledge of Allegiance before being joined by classmates Rissy Prude and LaDecie Riley in the performance of the National Anthem. Drama Teacher Tracy Lahr followed with a selection dedicated to the graduating seniors. Lahr chose Mariah Carey”s “Hero” to express her faith in this year”s graduates. “I can”t wait to see what you all do in college,” Lahr told the students. “This is just a stepping stone, as you all know.” Associated Student Body President Amanda Bettencourt”s address to her fellow students was short and sweet. “These past few years have been great, but the next few are going to be even better,” she predicted. “Great things are going to come from every one of you” said Senior Class Advisor Gary Logoteta to begin his address to the graduates. Logoteta recalled sports memories from the time the students were freshman up to the day at hand. He recalled victories and outstanding achievements, fun pranks and embarrassing moments, good times and bad. “This is a blessed class. You guys are going to rock the world,” Logoteta said. “There”s nothing you can”t accomplish if you set your mind to it and work hard. Challenges will be an opportunity to see what you can accomplish in life.” As usual, the seniors chose Kris Tyner, math teacher, as their guest speaker. And, once again, Tyner took the crowd on a whirlwind excursion in delivering his point. Tyner”s story began at the airport, where he was encouraged to read a book. His speech detailed what he learned from the book. He said there are eight habits to build a happy, healthy life, community and relationship. Each habit had its own crazy story to explain its purpose. Tyner went from illustrating the dependability of his mother and the brown-bag lunch that waited for him each morning without fail to having lunch with Barrack Obama and Hilary Clinton, where he said the two told him that his address should instill hope in the graduates. Salutatorian Myrna Aleman described graduation as being like a jump from a 20 foot high dive into a pool the size of the Pacific Ocean. Her speech ended with thanks to the parents in the audience. “You”ve done a great job,” she said, adding more thanks to teachers and friends. The honor of valedictorian was held by Kate Lyons. Lyons encouraged her classmates to take pride in community, vote and make difference. “Use your perspective to give back to the community and remember what it”s given you,” she said.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
