Crescenta Valley High School families braved the heat and hard seats to watch their sons and daughters receive their diplomas Friday evening at Stengel Field.
With the reading of a name and the shaking of a hand, 13 years of academics ended and a whole new future began.
“I just hope I don’t trip,” said senior Emily Anderson before the ceremony. “I’m really excited to start my new life.”
Anderson said she would miss the high school, especially its drama department.
“I’ve worked on a lot of plays and made a lot of friends,” she said.
Others had no problem thinking of the immediate future.
“I just want it over,” said Chase Chapman. “I want to go have dinner.”
His father, Craig, was a little more reflective.
“It’s amazing to see them grow from children to young adults,” he said. “And now looking forward to what he wants to do.”
The call for seniors to line up for the precession was made, and they entered to the beat of a three count, as teacher Vickie Boultin held each one of them back, counted and let them enter as the high school’s orchestra played on.
There were 665 graduating Crescenta Valley High School seniors, 237 of whom received the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma, which is given to those who receive high scores on their state standardized test in history, English, math and science.
Principal Linda Evans also touted the school’s achievements, including being named one of the top 12 public high schools in the county by Los Angeles Magazine, 246th in the nation in a recent issue of Newsweek.
Jennifer Lee was this year’s valedictorian with a 4.57 grade point average. As is the tradition, Evans was presented Lee’s certificate by the engineering class robot.
Seniors Ricky Arvizu and Zachary Torres presented the 2009 class gift.
“[In sports] we have had a phenomenal year,” Arvizu said.
“And so the class of 2009 have decided to donate funds to the CVHS Hall of Fame to honor those amazing athletes [of the past],” Torres said.
The Hall of Fame project is nearing completion in the school’s gym.
As the night moved on, the temperature dropped considerably as the diplomas were handed out.
Parents strained to get a look at their graduate, friends held up signs and cheers echoed throughout the field.
Then, with the last name called, the new graduates were introduced as the Class of 2009 and the caps went flying into the air.
