Schools

Carlmont High School Celebrates 57th Commencement

Hundreds of seniors graduated Friday afternoon from Carlmont High School.

More than 500 Carlmont High School students graduated Friday morning on the school’s football field in front of hundreds of parents, friends and relatives to mark the end of an era, and the commencement of a new experience. 

“Let the marathon begin!” shouted 2011 Carlmont Salutatorian Jhoong Roh to boisterous cheers. Roh told his fellow classmates the future will be a marathon, and reminded them of the skills they’ve learned to succeed. “We have all learned so much from our four years here. This is a beginning, not an end.”

Teary-eyed parents snapped photos of their children. Others took video to forever capture the moment. Some held flowers, some held balloons that blew in the chilly early-afternoon air, some of which were let loose into the gray of the rain-threatening sky. 

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Several of the school’s academic leaders gave speeches, freely quoting the old and the new, Winston Churchill beside Tina Fey. At least twice, World Series accomplishments of the San Francisco Giants brought frenzied applause.

“We began as awkward and clueless freshman,” said Valedictorian Cameron Mazza. “But today we’re no longer awkward, and just sort of clueless.”

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For Mazza, Friday’s graduation symbolized the togetherness of the class of 2011, and how that unity helped each student through the often-troublesome period of adolescence. 

The choir sang a melancholic version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide”, and while the event celebrated new beginnings, students took a moment to reflect on the finality of their time together.

“Take a look around you,” said ASB President Gino Ferrario. “This is the last time we will all be together on this campus.”

But as Cameron Mazza reminded the crowd, the commencement means a beginning.

“This is all about new beginnings,” said San Carlos parent Leslie Concilla, whose daughter Jacqueline, 17, was graduating. “I’m nervous and excited and proud. She dreams so much and has become such a mature person, so much more independent.” Jacqueline will go onto college at the University of California at Santa Barbara.

 Sandy Rodriguez’s 18-year-old son Tony didn’t have a particularly large amount of school spirit, but his time spent at Carlmont helped him mature and gain confidence, she said.

“I’ve really seen a lot of great change in him these last years,” said Rodriguez, of San Carlos.  Tony will head off to community college with hopes of transferring to San Jose State University.

 As Justin Tolp took the stage to grab his diploma and shake hands with the school’s principal, sister Bri watched from the audience.

 “I’m surprised and excited for him,” she said. “I’m sure he’s incredibly excited to finally be done.”  Justin will head to Canada College in Redwood City in the fall.

 Sharlise Branner of East Palo Alto joined her family to watch her cousin, Pearl, graduate.

 “I have seen Pearl dramatically change,” said Branner. “She has overcome challenges to succeed.” Branner said Pearl initially struggled with her grades, but worked hard and graduated with a high average.

 The two-hour ceremony ended as the last name was called and the final diploma was handed out. Caps were thrown in the air, and students embraced favorite teachers with whom they had built a relationship with over the past four years.

 “I know the class of 2011 will change the world, “said Senior Class President Ashley Chang. “And I can’t wait for it to happen.”


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