LAKEPORT ? Clear Lake High School seniors walked across the stage to receive their diplomas during a graduation ceremony held Friday on the high school”s football field.
“Right now, the world is a dark place looking for light, and I believe that this class right here is the flame,” class president Danielle Howard said in her welcoming remarks.
Principal Steve Gentry called the class of 2009 the “million dollar class” because its members had earned more than $1 million in scholarships collectively. Counselor Paul Larrea said the total was “by far the most” any class had earned in scholarship money.
“The stock market and the economy”s down, unemployment”s up, and you”re graduating. Good times,” Gentry said. “When you come out in a couple of years, ready to go, and join the workforce, you”re going to be ready.”
Salutatorian Tayler Whipple acknowledged in her remarks a fellow senior who was not among the graduates because of a drunk driver.
“Let this be a lesson that every choice you make has an outcome, and some outcomes affect not only ourselves, but our families, schools and even communities. Life can be gone before we know it, so have fun and make smart choices,” Whipple said.
Valedictorian Ashley Perry advised her fellow graduates, “Don”t be afraid to stand up for something ? With all of these opportunities comes choices. More than anything, it”s our attitude that determines our happiness and well-being. If we have a good attitude and a positive outlook on life, the whole world is open to us.”
Retiring teacher Robert Paiva was honored, then students paraded one by one across the center stage to receive their diplomas.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com, or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
