Ominous gray clouds overhead couldn't dampen the mood at Live Oak High School, where 270 grinning, emerald-robed seniors turned their yellow tassels from left to right and entered adulthood Friday night.
Despite the storm rolling in, it was more like a day at the beach than anything: the seniors wore brightly-colored leis and tossed around multiple beach balls during the jubilant affair.
"This was a very unique class," Principal Nick Boden said. "We will remember them for so much.
"You arrived here not really knowing what Live Oak had in store for you," Boden said. "You're leaving as people with character, integrity and values."
Superintendent Alan Nishino told the students to continue to work hard, because hard work is the key to success.
Salutatorian Aaron Persing peppered his speech with quotes from famous and not-so-famous personalities. A quote from Dr. Seuss: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter."
A quote from Star Trek's Spock: "Live long and prosper."
And Persing's grandfather: "Get up! Make big bucks!"
Persing said Live Oak embraced him when he entered the school, new to Morgan Hill and public school.
Valedictorian Jessica Liang honored the parents and other community members who supported the Class of 2009 during their high school career.
"You've always done everything in your power to help us succeed. I couldn't be more thankful," she said.
Liang also saluted her classmates.
"Let us remember all the lessons we learned together, and all the lessons we've learned from each other," Liang said.
The students' senior year was marked with a tragic event. Fellow senior Matthew Mikaelsson died in a car crash in December.
Liang took a somber moment to remember Mikaelsson, and reminded her peers that, "It's not the years in your life, it's the life in your years.
"Please, make the most of your journey," Liang added.
ASB President Kalea Cleeton spoke of Mikaelsson as well.
"Matthew, you will remain in our hearts forever," she said. "Something so tragic brought Live Oak together."
Cleeton reflected on four years of growing close with her classmates.
"Live Oak is where we found who we were," Cleeton said. "It shaped us."
Whitling
"We will truly look back on these years with thanks and respect," Amanda Whitling added.
Stephanie Kelly said she was ecstatic to be graduating from high school.
"Absolutely beyond belief, the happiest I've ever been," she said excitedly.
Kelley said she would miss Live Oak's teachers the most. "They have been absolutely wonderful and helpful through everything, all the hardships we've went through."
"I am definitely looking forward to getting my career going," she said. Kelly, who sang the national anthem to open the ceremony, will attend West Valley, Mission College and plans to study forensic pathology.
Charissa Hosseini said she was sad to say goodbye to high school.
"I just cried, and I didn't think I would," she said. "Some people say high school is the worst time of your years, but it was actually pretty fun. Not a bad experience, I must say."
Hosseini will attend the University of California, Santa Cruz and is looking forward to the new experiences and new people she will meet there.
Gage Heikkila said he'd miss seeing his friends every day, but looked forward to meeting new people at Mission College, where he plans to study to become a firefighter.
The Live Oak grads applauded themselves for a second victory against crosstown rival Ann Sobrato High School during the second annual El Toro Bowl this past year. Live Oak trounced Sobrato with a 27-0 victory in September.
Natalie Everett
Natalie Everett Natalie Everett is the education and city reporter for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106, ext. 201, or neverett@morganhilltimes.com.
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