Within a span of a few hours Wednesday night, more than 1,500
students who comprise the Class of 2003 graduated from Crescenta
Valley, Glendale and Hoover highs, along with Clark Magnet School.
And although those ceremonies might have seemed like just a bunch
of names being read, diplomas being presented, caps being thrown in
the air and pictures being taken, to the News-Press sports staff,
especially yours truly, they represent a whole lot more.
They represent a time of reflection, an opportunity to contemplate
the past four years and all that has been accomplished by this
outstanding group of young men and women.
But these graduations also symbolize the end of an era, meaning
that no matter how many times the sports staff has bid farewell to
another class of student-athletes, it doesn't get any easier to do
so.
Offering a simple thank you or greeting an individual with a
handshake would be only one way of expressing the necessary gratitude
for everything these individuals have accomplished since the fall
season of 1999.
So without further delay, here is one final salute to the next
group of college freshmen.
To Mher Alaverdyan, Narek Garibyan, Jon Houk, Sevak Keshishian,
Sal Rangel and Marvin Serrano, just some of the bright spots for an
improving Hoover football team. Your determination to make the
Tornadoes better was admirable.
To Sarineh Alexani, Ariga Hacopian, Argine Kadymyan, Teni
Karimian, Cindy Ramos and Elina Vartanyan, the girls who proved that
two Pacific League water polo titles at Glendale are better than one.
Just like the program's Web site says, you won with dignity and you
did so with class.
To Melody Allameh, Natasha Belou, Valerie Veluz and Dani Whisman,
one of the most underrated supporting casts in any sport at Crescenta
Valley. The girls' basketball program will continue to succeed thanks
to the examples you set for the underclassmen.
To Narbeh Amirian, Rodney Shaghoulian, Edgar Torosyan and Will
Wagner, the quartet who committed themselves to helping the Glendale
boys' water polo team make history, and made their dream a reality on
that magical afternoon in November.
To Danius Anelauskas, Santor Nishizaki and Aaron Pita, a big part
of the reason why the CV boys' volleyball team was always able to
enjoy such a memorable season. The phrase "league-champion Falcons"
has a nice ring to it.
To Ani Arutyunyan and Arpa Gregorian, the dynamic duo of the
Hoover girls' basketball team. Making the playoffs is always sweet,
