BURSTING WITH PRIDE for Overcoming Challenges
Today, we come together to recognize the graduating Class of 2021. This commencement ceremony is particularly impactful for me—not only as your principal, but as a proud father of one of the graduates here today. Families and loved ones, it is an honor to celebrate alongside you. It seems like only yesterday that these incredible young adults arrived in our lives.
Today, we have so many memories running through our minds: from first steps, to the first day of kindergarten, those sometimes painful and awkward middle school years, and now, high school graduation, the official transition to adulthood.
We have poured our hearts and souls into our children since the day they were born, always supporting their journey toward independence. This year was especially difficult as we witnessed our seniors having to forgo so many traditions and milestones; all we could do was support them through these trying times.
Triton of the Year Finalist Spencer Herbert reflected on what family means to him: “Family isn’t necessarily what you’re given, it’s what you make of the people around you. A family is comprised partially of biology, but its primary component is of those who care about you—whether bound close in our memories or here alongside us. Family
is the quintessential structure of support, which was clearly validated this past year.”
Thank you, Spencer, for reminding us that the idea of a family goes beyond the home. We have had to come together as a Triton family many times over the past four years to support one another, and as part of this larger family, we have all dedicated our time and focus to ensure that all of our seniors are ready for whatever this world brings!
Students, you did not let this pandemic keep you down. You retooled and adapted so that you could continue to learn and achieve your dreams. Much like the great Michael Jordan once said, “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”
ASB President and Triton of the Year finalist Lily Redmond sums it up: “Being a leader on campus this past year has proven to be a difficult task, but also one that has allowed us to grow and learn from the obstacles placed before us. Going forward, take the challenges we have faced and transform them into opportunities for success. From reimagining our senior year to forming new traditions, we have accomplished so much, and I am confident that we will only continue to adapt and overcome.
I couldn’t agree more, Lily! That is exactly what all of you did this past year, and in doing so, you have set
a strong foundation to continue your education at a college, or university, or to pursue careers in technology, auto, service, the arts, or the military.
Whatever you choose to do, as your life takes you to new horizons, always remember to use the tools you have gained through life and especially these past 15 months to adapt and embrace this change.
When given the green light to compete and perform, you tackled this opportunity with an energy that we have not seen before. Although your peers were not there to cheer you on, you managed to win 11 league titles and competed in CIF. Heck we still have teams competing.
For our performing arts, you held virtual concerts and dance productions, and we reenvision our upper campus making it into the greatest stage this campus has ever enjoyed. Pure ingenuity—that is what you created out of a difficult situation.
It is evident that these programs have had a profound impact on you, which is captured in our Triton of the Year Maxine Davey’s words: “My time with the girls soccer program and with the school newspaper have changed my life. I found a home that always lifted me up and a community that let me experience what it’s like to be valued and seen while working towards something bigger than yourself.”
Thank you, Maxine. Graduates, that is what your future is all about—working collectively to make a positive impact on the world around you.
Your perseverance and grit are beyond commendable, even in the face of challenging circumstances. Graduates, you stood firm in the conviction to do what was right while showing compassion and kindness to your fellow classmates.
Triton of the Year Finalist Riya Khetarpol reflects on the impact that our programs have had on her: “SCHS Drama is truly representative of the SCHS community—not only is everyone involved incredibly talented at their craft, but they are also the most encouraging, kind, and welcoming people I have ever met. Everyone deserves to find a community that supports and accepts them. Drama gave me the confidence to stand up and be a voice for change. I will always be grateful for the amazing mentorship and lifelong friends that SCHS has given me.”
Thank you, Riya, for being a positive voice to ensure that SCHS is an inclusive community for all Tritons.
Today, although your time at San Clemente High School is ending, you are now Triton Alumni. Even if your life takes you far from home, you will forever be deeply connected to our wonderful city; the sense of belonging to our Spanish Village by the Sea will remain strong.
Triton of the Year Finalist Alika Ting leaves you with these final words:
“Even if you don’t know where you’re going, I hope that you will find happiness in the journey there. Strive for not only excellence, but also kindness, warmth, and passion. If you trust yourself and follow your heart, you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be and if all else fails, hopefully you may find yourself on a ranch with fluffy cows. And if you have never seen fluffy cows, Google it; you won’t be disappointed.”
Thank you, Alika, for your encouraging words. Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan stated, “Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt. Only by being open to change will you have a true opportunity to get the most from your talent.”
Graduates, we look forward to seeing you maximize your talent!
On behalf of the faculty and staff, we are so proud of you for successfully navigating the requirements and challenges of high school. You are surrounded by family and friends who are bursting with pride and joy at this milestone.
I join with them and the entire San Clemente community to offer our congratulations to the Class of 2021.
San Clemente High Principal Chris Carter
BY SAN CLEMENTE HIGH PRINCIPAL CHRIS CARTER
SAN CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT SPEECH
CLASS OF 2021 San Clemente High School
Emelia Aileen Aasland
Lily Ann Ackerman-Coelho
Marysol Acosta Mireles
Cole Lee Adams
Sierra Nicole Adams
Chelsea Maxine Adel
Annalyse Michelle Agosto
Kira Naomi Aguilera
Sean Akar
Kiana Akers
Michael Raul Allen-Hernandez
Marisa Ann Alvarez
Mia Alexis Alvarez
Harrison Clay Ames
Jacqueline Ann Ames
Nick Ryan Amjadi
Jenz Danial Ammerman
Emily Brooke Anderson
Hallie Ann Anderson
Jarrod Thomas Anthony
Khloe Beth Antonio
Ava Aina Anunson
Faye Alvin Verano Apostol
Rylie Jewel Arata
Bradley Kenneth Armstrong
Austin David Arnwine
Corbin Thomas Ashe
Kyle Evers Atkinson
Aarom Steven Austin
Hayes Delila Austin
Carl Samuel Avalos
Anne Marie Ayala
Denis Alexander Ayala
Caelib Ezra Bacolod
Joshua Robert Baker
Katelynn Jane Balloue
Amber Leanne Bangalan
Carlos Fernando Barajas
Isabella Barbernell
Maya Webber Basilio
Cole Tyler Batson
Sophia Sienna Battles
Annelise Cecilia Becker
Mason Diego Becker
Nathan Tyler Beckley
James Jackson Bell
Mitchell Weston Bell
Hayes Lilly Bellantonio
Jeremy Michael Belvedere
Noah Houston Benton
Kevin Robert Bernier
Grace Rey Bishoff
Luke Christian Blackwill
Nicole Anne Blair
Jadyn Mali Blake
Matthew William Blakeborough
Ashlynn Anne Blomker
James Bohls
Soulara Lynn Bojarsky
Quinn Alaina Bojorquez
Fatima Bonilla
Marlen Bonilla
Isabella Anne Bookataub
Marisa Carleen Booth
Ryan Matthew Boratynec
Brooklyn Cynthia Borgquist
Mia Bost
Natalie Jade Bothwell
Carson Boucher
Charlotte Nicole Bradshaw
Gisele Irene Brandt
Nicolas Alexander Breen
Nathan Michael Bretado
Chloe Ann Britton
Brooke Elizabeth Broll
Brock Johnston Brown
Kennedy Lauren Brown
Noah Brown
Ronan Patrick Brown
Trevor Brown
Grace Madeleine Browne
Zachary James Brunson
Emma Madison Bryant
Grace Marie Buchan
Anhika Marie Bui
Noelle Taylor Bunce
Karly Marie Bundy
Kai Nathaniel Burleson
Andrew Wade Burress
Caden William Burton
Bailey S. Butler
Matthew John Bystry
Bradley Lazaro Cajili
Danielle Nicole Caldaronello
Sophia Margaret Calkins
Will Michael Campbell
Noah David Canfield
Colin Anderson Canizales
Parker Andrew Cannon
Nathen Edward Carey
Joshua Carlin
Joshua Kurtis Carlow
Ava Claire Carr
Jessica Kayla Carrera
Jack Henri Charles Carroll
Branden William Carter
Garrett Carter
Grace Elizabeth Cason
Isabel Rody Cast
Michelle Castaneda
Natalie Lauren Casto
Alexander Caudillo
Raimundo Daniel Caudillo
Violeta Cervantes
Jessenia Maria Cervantes Gutierrez
Kylie Jocelyn Chandler
Angela Andrea Madrid Chantaca
Jonah Andrew Chatham
Tyler James Cheatley
Derek Eugene Chen
Sydney Chennells
Emily Abby Chiani
Brianna Zeta Pearl Chizhevsky
Eleanore Christensen
Simon Dean Christensen
Ehva Cifuentes-Zombulovic
Jasmine Alyssa Clark
Kaylyn Sarah Clemons
Baylee Marie Clisby
Cameron Cobb
Ethan James Coleman
Nicholas Enzo Coli
Isabel Colin
Jack Theodore Colombo
Sean William Colson
Isabelle Frances Consuelo Comes
Caitlin Sophia Condon
Matthew Joseph Condon
Kaylee Sage Conrad
Stella Ann Copeland
Naidelin Coronado
Cassandra Corrales
Matthew Michael Corralz
Daniel Cortez
Mia Danielle Costales
Sean Thomas Coughlin
Aidan Charles Coulson
Makena Alyse Coury
Kenna May Cowper
Lily Jane Crane
Gage Kainoa Crawford
Lang Elizabeth Csira
Cameron Richard Culkin
Jeffrey Thomas Currie
Vincent Xavier Da Cunha
Maxine Margaret Davey
Trystan Fitzgerald Davey
Roxyann Adelina Davidson
Brenna Davis
Brennon Noah Davis
Caleb Benjamin Davis
Ivy Lauryn Davis
Melanie De La Torre
Kevin Arturo Delgado
Anna Dent
Wade James Desco Jr.
Collin Bennett Deutsch
Eric Sullivan Devericks
Jose Manuel Diaz
Samuel Anthony Diaz
Dustin Scott Dickson
Alyssa Renee Difilippo
Anna Katherine Dillbeck
Allyssa Renee Dixon
Callaghan Jack Donnelly
Griffin Joseph Donnelly
Jeanwin Yamato Doreus
Erick Mello Ribeiro Dos Santos
Tyler John Douglas
Annabelle Grace Dunbar
Alyssa Constance Duncan
Jacob Lawrence Dunnwald
James Matthew Durney
Colin Luke Dusablon
Delaney Danielle Dutton
Benjamin Brooks Dwinell
Patrick Mark Economy
Adam Jonah Edmunds
Justus Lee Edwards
McKenzie Claire Edwards
Pierce Steven Egbert
Carter Steven Ehlers
Matea Sydney Eib
Gwyneth Carmela Elliott
Noah Hudson Ellsworth
Jack Ryan Engel
Brooklyn Riley Enriquez
Stolie Teryn Erickson
America Nicolle Espinosa
Hernandez
Sofia Esquivel
Josenyd Marie Estrada Garcia
Keegan Shea Even
Sophia Marie Evenson
Estefani Elisabet Ezquivel
Dylan Gregory Faires
Brody James Fania
Sophia Jeannette Fania
William Michael Farrier
Elias Yama Fazilat
Emma Carlin Feasey
Arshia Fereidooni
Victor Eduardo Fernandez Gomez
Jake Simpson Ferrigno
Jack August Finnerty
Erin Marie Finney
Lorena Jesus Flores
Aidan Sharon Flynn
Chloe Le-Yi Foo
Thomas Michael Blackmore
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF GRADUATES PROVIDED BY SAN CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL
Coni Rose Franco
Jayce Cristien Franklin
Christopher Frederick
Jonas Angel Fredonis
Ella Frances French
Vaughn Patrick Furnish
Bronson Diego Gabira
Daisy Galvan
Manuel Galvez
Maria Del Rosario Galvez
Ariadna Minerva Garcia
John Aidan Garcia
Olivia Hua Qiao Garrett
Ava Elizabeth Garriott
Rory Leigh Gaynor
Ryan Thomas Georgi
Jasmine Maya Geraci
Thomas Matthew Gerardo
Tori Nicole Ghyzel
Aidan Scott Giacobello
Dylan James Giddings
Emily Jane Gillett
Logan Grant Giobbi
Jacob Matthew Gjonovich
Hagen Chandler Glasgow
Griffin Mathew Glenn
Taylor Danielle Glover
Ryan Lewis Goddard
Elijah David Golembiewski
Estrella Gomez Hernan Gomez Jovanni Gomez Torrey Rae Gomez Alondra Paola Gomez Reyes
Madison Lea Gonzales
Gabriel William Gonzalez
Alyza Giselle Gordillo
Davis Charles Grace
Hannah Elizabeth Granrud
Kevin William Grant
Henry Nicolas Grattan
Tatum Victoria Grayek
Joshua Lewis Gray-Smith
Ella Rose Greathouse
Cameron Rose Green
Chloe Angelina Green
Taylor Olivia Green
Jillian Avery Greene
Jack Dennis Gretzema
Maverick Griffith
Galexxie Sunev Grise
Richard Dean Guthridge
Jose Jaime Gutierrez
Madilyn Rose Gutowski
Yamila Guzman
Ashley Louise Haas
Faith Nichole Haas
Maverick Levi Hadsall
Payton Faye Hagarty
Cole Harrison Hahn
Brady Michael Haislip
Lily Marie Haley
Hayden J Salvesen Hall
Tanner Wirth Hall
La Vita e Bella Victoria Halverson
Tatum Rose Handel
Jacob David Hansen
Emma Jane Harline
Cole Stephen Harmon
Mitchell Kade Harrick
Anakah Nachelle Harris
Gavin Ross Harris
Jack Goddard Harris
Kaitlyn Michelle Harsey
Peyton Wallace Hart
Grace Marie Hartanov
Ethan O’Flynn Hartman
Xavier Scott Hassard-Johnson
ACHIEVING SUCCESS TOGETHER
ood afternoon, honored guests, family, friends, teachers, staff, Board of Trustees, and most importantly, the amazing Class of 2021. Welcome to commencement. I am honored to be speaking here today.
My dad always loved to ask me, “How do you make time fly?” and without missing a beat, I would always reply, “You throw a clock out the window!” But I think we would all agree even without touching a clock, our high school careers have flown by.
It feels like just yesterday we were all attending freshman orientation, playing games in the classrooms and trying not to make a fool of ourselves in front of these new people. And while we all likely had many embarrassing moments, we had lots of other great moments as well.
From the Friday nights at the football games to the pep rallies, we all pretended to be too cool for, we as a class have spent a lot of time together, being silly, and growing closer. Whether it be through a mutual love of V8s in the auto academy or singing a Les Mis song together in drama, we have all found our friends.
But what I love so much about this school is the way we have been able to grow beyond these cliques, bonding over quad rap battles and rumors about Mr. Popovich’s Tupac tattoo, to become a supporting and loving community. And if there’s one thing that these past two years have taught me,
it’s the importance of our community. COVID knocked us down. It really did. But what got us through it was relying on the people we love. And together, we have fought through emotional and financial struggles and dealt with one of the roughest senior years in recent history.
From dealing with three-week sports seasons to the band trying to find ways to play safely, we have all been tried. But we made it out the other side together.
I used to scoff at the admin team repeating the same old “one town, one team” motto, but recently I’ve begun to smile at the phrase. Even if we might not all feel prepared for what’s next, we can venture into the future knowing that we are all supported by over 700 of our peers here in San Clemente.
From our young political clubs working on campaigns to our SCHS against-racism team, we are already showing we have what it takes to change our world. Each of our success stories is now all of our success stories.
When one of you is accepting a Grammy or an award for social justice work, remember to thank the family we have made here in San Clemente, because you couldn’t have made it there without them.
This is our moment, as individuals, as a class and really as a generation to go out and shape the world. And I’d personally like to say thank you to all of you, because without you, I wouldn’t have been able to be here, either. So, thank you and good luck. I’m sure we’re destined to do great things.
SCHOLAR OF SCHOLARS SPEECH BY THOMAS GERARDO
Ashley Jenna Hassett
Jonas David Seldman Hawbecker
Nadia Hawkes
Juliet Dianne Heal
Cayden Allen Heathman
Kathleen Avery Hedger
Clara Ann Helm
Jeffery Blake Hendrickson
Ethan Jeffrey Henry
Spencer Tyler Herbert
Benjamin Richard Herbes
Adrian Jahir Hernandez
Maria Fernanda Hernandez
Zuriel Isai Hernandez
Ella Grace Hersch
Alexandria Bailey Higginson
Clark David Hill
Kylie Makayla Hill
Dane Alexander Hillis
Hannah Rose Hillis
Elizabeth Joy Hiner
Keith Jeffery Hoffmeister
Sean Gerald Hoffmeister
Christopher Jay Holt
Aiden Luke Homrighausen
Bodey Reid Horspool
Ella Louise Horton
Ian Henry Howard
Zachary John Howard
William Hudelson
Hogelen Darin Huffman
Aidan James Hunt
Samuel Christopher Hunter
Luke Nathaniel Huston
Grace Kim Huynh
Kaylee Bree IntVeld
Aila Ilada Ittidecharchoti
Hallie Marie Jacobs
Brody James Jamieson
Abbygail Jansson
Tara Lynn Jaramillo
Kaden Lawrence Jawitz
Brayden Alexander Jenson-Eaton
Lauren Elizabeth Johansson
Cole Taylor Johnson
Jenna Kim Johnson
Kirra Danielle Johnson
Liam Erin Johnson
Nathan Johnson
Rhyan MacKenzie Johnson
Luke Robert Jones
Madelyn Grace Juncaj
Viola Broendum Juncker-Jensen
Jacob Alexander Juneau
Elijah Joseph Juno
Cameron John Kadell
Kyle Gregory Kagan
Alexandra Nicole Kaiser
Emily Ann Kalez
Oliviana Shiori Kane
Taylor Bernard Karger
Tyler Scott Karpowitz
Ryan Robert Keany
David Christian Keck
Noah Drake Keelin
Neil Ryan Keenan
Brennan Scott Kelley
Nathan Sae Gwang Kelley
Kian Monroe Khadivi
Riya Rani Khetarpal
Kobe Christopher Kiley
Caden Sang Kim
Rivers Cristina King
Samantha May Kinney
Ethan Lee Klemm
Lexi Victoria Knapp
John A Koenigshofer
Sophie Mary Kohler
Cameron David Kooper
Lilah Jane Kopenhefer
Emmanuel Mario Koulouris
Hannah Katerine Kouris
Virginia Joann Krug
Peyton Anne Labbe
Hailey Sue Lacourciere
Crista Jollie Lafiguera-Mangahas
Wyatt James LaLonde
Samuel Ryder Lambert
Ann Francis Larson
Taylor Marie Laubhan
Emily Monique Lawrie
Gina Antonia LeCause
Tre’Vaughn Jordan Lee
Shane George Leimel
Scarlet Belle Leland
Andrea Dyanne Lemus
Andrew Leon
Nicole Malia Kini Leonard
Pierce Owen Letwin
Luca Kirk Levandofsky
Matthew Ryan Levendoski
Hunter Michael Lewis
Sydney Lewis
Timothy Shooter Linas
Harlee Rae Links
Emerson Camille Litchfield
Emiliano Lopez
Erika Lopez
Victor Danny Lopez
Ashley Rose Lord
Natalie Grace Lord
Jaden Frank Lujano
Ryan Thomas Lukes
Sophia Isabella Luna
Matthew Michael Macarewich
Luke Alexander MacLean
Joseph Francis Madison
Zachary Alexander Mallgrave
Kaitlynn Madison Mangrum
Zachary Daniel Margiotta
Dalia Mariano
Madeliene Alexa Marinelarena
Jackson Andrew Marinos
Joseph James Marquez
Kieran Joseph Marshall
Savannah Alyene Marshall
Cade Matthew Martin
Alyssa Nicole Martinez
Jahir Martinez
Matthew Allen Martinez
Liam Nicholas Mateer
Brianna Sarai Mateos
Maria Eduarda Machado
Mattiazo
Malia Mauch
Zoe Irene Mayne
James Gavin McAlpin
Cole Thomas McAteer
Malia Dawn McCaig
Foster Timothy McCarty
Collin Jacob McCrary
William Thomson McCulloch IV
Trazler Alan McGrath
Matthew James McGreevy
Devin Anthony McMahon
Kai Jaymes McPhillips
Sarah Ann McWilliams
Ashley Victoria Medina
Leslie Medina
Nathan Robert Melcher
Elisea Saray Melgar
Cassandra Mendez
Trevor Mercuro
Destin Anthony Merkle
Dylan Christian Mihele
Danika Grace Miller
Jack Xuming Mills
Holly Savannah Milner
Ashton England Minnich
Hayden Khalil Mirza
Gwendolyn Predrag Mitrevski
Cecily Tait Mitzev
Benjamin Aidan Mix
Megan Moe
Morgan Rose Mokler
Harry Ray Monds Jr.
Eloise Moodie
Delaney Lane Moody
Maverick Jay Moore
Rodrigo Mora
Kaya Mei Moran
Aleks Armando Moreno
Itzel Moreno
Kathleen Morrison
Eleanor Araxie Morville
Max Nishan Morville
Katherine Grace Mower
Fatima Xitlaly Muniz
Luca Alexander Muriella
Sophia Louise Murray
Pedro Henrique Figueiredo
Mussauer
Cooper Douglas Myton
Isaiah Fernando Navarro
Ty James Neely
Ethan Connor Nel
Joseph Gaston Nelson
Matthew Richard Nelson
McKenna Nelson
Arya Nicholas Nemati
Tyler Michael Nemeth
Jayden James Neri
Madison Neuhausen
Clayton Douglas Newlon
James Minh Nguyen
Anthony Louis Niebank-Hall
Hunter Daniel Nielsen
Brian Nieves Espino
Raiki Nishida
Miguel Angel Nunez
Alexandra Mae Nunnally
Mia O’Brien
Cesar Arturo Ochoa Jr.
Dane Justice Olbrich
Lillian Grace O’Rourke
Sofia Marie Osendorf
Alanis Fabiola Oses Perez
Richard Boyce Owens
Timothy James Paisley
Regis Jiwoo Pak
Alexis Dawn Pardo
Jessica Grace Park
Jacob Glen Parrish
Conner Parrott
Kendall Marie Patrick
Trinity Alexis Patterson
Noah Luke Pattin
Rachel Pattin
Kevin Samuel Payan Buruca
Jacob Michael Pecen
Milan Grace Pekarek
Yixiang Peng
Claudia Perez
Elias Perez
Jacob Cole Perlow
Xezae Lester Peshlakai
Xezel Davis Peshlakai
Lauren Elizabeth Peters
Samuel James Peters
Charlotte Faith Petry
Trang Pham
Paris Pinegar
Andrea Alicia Pintle
Kylie Elizabeth Pitzak
Aidan Pollick
Madelyn Grace Poole
Cloe Katherine Pothier
Conor Izaiah Poulos
Claire Isabelle Powell
Dane Patric Power
Hailey Shae Prather
Gavin Cole Price
Moya Elizabeth Priddy
Jack Ernest Proctor
Sebastian Cole Eugene Prunty
Elizabeth Victoria Quinlan
Orion Peter Radzwill
Carlos Armando Ramirez
David Ramirez
Edgar Gabriel Ramirez
Jeoselyn Ramirez
Maria Guadalupe Ramirez
Jaye Lynn Ramos
Aubree Anne Rask
Kylie Grace Raumin
Jason Christopher Ray
Bentley Matthew Redden
Elliana Blanche Redick
Lily Margaret Redmond
Camryn Mikayla Reeves
Donovan Vilayvanh Regan
Aubrie Ann Reichert
Christopher Robert Reitan
Kai Benjamin Rex
Aviana Kaprice Reynard
Emma Elizabeth Rhoades
Eve Michelle Richardson
Sydney Danielle Richmond
Elyse Jean Rideout
Savannah Lynn Rider
Ian Patrick Riley
Cassidy Rizer
Caiden Robertson
Jesus Jonathan Rodriguez
Jack Bryan Rogers
Katherine Rose Rogers
Robert Alexander Rogers
Lizandro Rojas
Rocky Romero Rojas
Kyle Austin Roland
Aaron Brian Romero
Jose Luis Romero Castillo
Luis Humberto Rosas
Keaton Wesley Rose
Isabela Eva Mae Rose Woods
Gabriel Pietro Rosselle
Isabel Anna Rouns
Skylar Michael Ruffner
Sebastian Ruiz
Camille Runge
Jillian Grace Russell
Paige Sydney Russell
Russell Robert Ryan III
Landon Cole Ryder
Keenan Roman Rydzeski
Alexis Christina Salazar
Alexa Saldivar
Brianna Mary Salgado
Lydia Jade Samuelsen
Felipe Sanchez
Jessica Sanchez
Anabelle Grace Sanders
Rebecca Love Sanders
Miguel Alejandro Sandoval
Rodenas
Benjamin Tadashi Sato
The Future Has Much More in Store
Last year, I was in Link Crew, and I had to stop by my old middle school to give a presentation. I was waiting at the crosswalk, and next to me was this little girl.
We started talking to one another, and I asked her: “What grade are you in?” She said, “Fourth grade.” To me, that’s amazing! She’s so young! I was amazed, because I knew, from my own experience, she had her whole life ahead of her.
As I was growing up, I was constantly asked: What do you want to do in college? I neurotically worried about what classes I needed to take for my degree, and thus, my career that I will be in for the rest of my life.
This was a load of pressure to put on a child. How can you expect someone to know what they want to dedicate their entire being to by age 18? It wasn’t until only a few months ago, when I was sitting in my bed and staring at the ceiling, did I realize that “wow, no matter what I do, I have my whole life ahead of me.”
This is a hard lesson to learn: you have your whole life ahead of you. People always say that life’s too short, but it’s the longest thing you’ll ever do! Now, as a fourth-grader, you might feel pretty old—you’re way more mature than those crazy first-graders. And as a senior now, you might feel the same way. But—and here’s the part that should get you excited—there is so much in store for you.
You’ve received a formal education, you’ve learned physical skills, but there is too much in the world for an entire textbook to cover; the world is bigger than a hobbyist’s garage. You never stop growing—even until the very end.
Some of you have never been on a plane, or ziplined, or tried tikka masala, but that doesn’t mean you never will. Every day, whether you mean it or not, you will learn something new. You will incrementally grow as a person.
It might be hard to see in the moment, but I implore you to look back to see how far you’ve come.
There’s a trend on TikTok going around: imagine if your current self met yourself from 2018. In 2018, I was a freshman. If my 2018
self met my current self, I say she’d be proud. Four years ago, none of us could drive, we were fresh out of middle school, and we all had questionable taste.
The point is, you, and the you from even as recent as last week, are entirely different people. The experiences life puts you through grow you as a person. It enriches you, it seasons you, you go from a slimy curd to a quality aged cheese. Or something along those lines.
All the mistakes you’ve made in the past brought you to where you are today. If you don’t feel content with where you are, what you are, and if you find yourself constantly making
mistakes, then there’s always tomorrow. In eight years, that fourth-grader will be standing where we all are right now. Eight years, that’s twice as long as our high school experience. That’s a long time. I hope that, wherever you will be, you’ll look back upon this time fondly, laughing at how young you were.
Jillian Greene
FAREWELL ADDRESS BY JILLIAN GREENE
Carlos Julian Saucedo
Tyler Scott Savoie
Brett Daniel Sayer
Emily Olivia Schad
Bryson Jeffrey Schnarr
Macie Kiki Schniepp
Ella Bach Schoenig
Andrew Philip Schwartz
Samuel Joseph Schwartz
Chloe Mae Schweer
Amy Gianna Sebrasky
Sydney Rose Seefeldt
Richard Rios Segovia
Eliza Hooper Sener
Noa James Serpa
Raisa Shafi
Nir Shany
Chloe Anne Shepard
Wade Matthew Sherman
Joshua Michael Sherreitt
Lola Grace Sherrie
Katrina K Shoga
Grace Amelia Shulga
Milo Whittemore Shumpert
Owen Blue Simler
Lucas Andrew Sims
Ava Wood Sinacori
Cole James Sischo
Trevor William Skeffington
Helena Simone Skov
Zoe Smead
Sarah Marie Smetona
Egan Donald Smith
Emma Grace Smith
Payton Nicole Smith
Jose Solano
Max Cooper Sorenson
Mia Nicole Spang
Kylee McCall Spear
Torrey Brynn Spear
Flook Spoon
Rylee Ann Springman
Sabrina Spunt
Trent Michael Stacy
Taylor Genevieve Steers
Alexis Romero Stein
Jasel Rosadele Steinmetz
Faith Caroline Stewart
Kyra Ann Stewart
David Glen Stillwell
Matthew Preston Streuter
Allison Michelle Stubbs
Katin Samuel Sutera-Moran
Luke Daniel Sutherland
Kyle Lee Swaringen
Ryland Joseph Thomas Swarthout
Nelson Tabarez
Abigail Kailey Tabb
Alyssa Brooke Tamayo
Emelly Tapia
Aidan Joseph Tapias
Aden Matthew Taylor
Greggory Ashton Teeter
Brayden Andrew Thomas
McKenna Elizabeth Thomas
Gillian Taylor Thompson
Hannah Linnes Thorsell
Alika Kawana Ting
Emily Marie Tolentino
Kate Lauren Tolliver
Nicholas John Tomey IV
Hunter Makana Tomlinson
Alejandro Miguel Torres
Jessenia Torres
Seth Iselin Torticill
James Arthur Tranberg
Tavius Alma Truman
Trevor Thomas Tuttle
Courtney Ellen Vaccaro
Aidan Sebastian Valdez
Issac Geovany Valencia
Sarahi Valencia
Samuel Thomas Van Dixhorn
German Vargas
Kaydence Currin Varnadore
Davis Dean Vaughn
Kanious Masi Vaughn
Kevin Brandon Ventura
Robert Michael Verrilli III
Tyler Robert Vesque
Makena Alexandra Viera
Luis-Armando Villalobos
Antony Roderico Villatoro
Miguel
Holly Nichole Vissman
Natalie Michelle Vissman
Callen Martin Viter
Elle Svea Voehl Hedlund
Christina Faith Volman
Kate Alicyn Wade
Kayla Savannah Waggoner
Morgan Ashley Wagner
Alexa Marie Waldfogel
Mason Ezekiel Walker
William Harrison Walker
Lukas Brian Wargnier
Jason Karl Garrett Watkins
Sophie Kate Wehr
Olivia Weilbaecher
Nicolas Riley Weist
Jacob Robert Wellikson
Natalya Emma Wells
Sonora Alexis Wells-Wedge
Emma Wertin
Sophia Rose Wetzel
Colin Christopher Whalen
Jack Thomas Whidden
Kelly Reese Whidden
Carson Douglas White
Jack Byron Whitney
Ashton Vic Whitsett
Gavin Alexander Wilchek
Caitlin Charlene Wilford
Jared Haakon Willardsen
Breeana Williams
Ella Margaret Williamson
Anthony Dominick Willingham
Brooklyn Mia Wilson
Wade Warren Wilson
Trevor Wilt
Andrew James Winkler
Kate Louise Winter
Cooper Clare Woodworth
Blake Nicholas Wright
Julieann Nicole Wright
Claire Iana Wynne
Kelsie Ann Yamano
Landan Joseph Burke Yanes
Logan James Burke Yanes
Sydney Loryn Yearley
Mya Kathryn Yost
Natalie Zarate
Reese Olivia Grace Zebell
Aleksandra Zlatic
Jack William Zwisler
SAN CLEMENTE GRADUATES from other Area schools
Reed Hailey Krugh Ryan DeVore Anna Casper
Jack Thomas Aitken
Madeleine Caldwell Arundale
Justina Monique Brandt
Shane Dunigan Dzwilewski
Andrew Stephen Kramer
Zachary Joseph Kratzer
Rachel Nellmapius
Alexia Sylvia Taylor
Ethan Sego
Isabella Marcovecchio Alexandria Horwood Gabriel Dyer Emma
Carson Cummings Amelia Falshaw
CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
IEMBRACE THE WEIRDNESS
t is a truth universally acknowledged that high school is the weirdest four years of your life. It’s awkward and confusing, and in retrospect, it goes by wickedly fast.
We spent four years in the shaded area between the two circles of a Venn diagram, where childhood giddiness overlaps with the realities of the adult world. An unmatched environment, possibly the only time in life you’ll nearly break the touchpad of the Chromebook because you’re playing Kahoot! too hard, or have to reassure your teachers that you’re not the one driving the car during your online class.
Nothing feels so much like a fever dream than high school does, but it’s one of those dreams you write down in a journal. You’ll promise to analyze the meaning of it later, when you have the time.
And when you do, you’ll find that we lived in this abnormally shaped space, not quite a circle or even an oval—yes, an imperfect, yet safe intersection of life, where even awkward and embarrassing moments, as apocalyptic as they seemed in the moment, were fundamental in who we were, who we are, and who we will become, and that we are lucky to even be able to remember them.
You’ll realize that we had a caring community, a qual-
ity education, in a world where many don’t have access to such things. In analyzing this fever dream, you’ll find thankfulness for life and for health.
I certainly am thankful to have had the opportunity to gaze upon such lovely headboards and glorious ceiling fans this year. We, the Class of 2021, have a bond like no other, especially now that we can recognize the interior design of each other’s rooms.
Yes, these may have been the weirdest four years of our lives, but let’s be honest, weirdness is disruptive, it creates groundbreaking technologies, starts powerful movements, and pushes people to think differently. So, embrace the weirdness, cherish it, even.
You furiously scribbled out full-length essays under fluorescent classroom lights; you stayed late for long practices and rehearsals and your dedication shone through during the concerts, at the games, on opening nights; and some days, you did all this on just adrenaline and few hours of sleep.
In moments of triumph, in moments of defeat, as we exit this little shaded section and step into the larger circles of life, your ability to push through the strangest of times is going to come in handy. And I think we can all agree that it certainly has been the strangest of times— the weirdest of times.
Congratulations, and Go, Tritons!
Alika Ting
FAREWELL ADDRESS BY ALIKA TING
