The places they’ll go

Lauren Vane

Marina High School Principal Steve Roderick took the June 16,

graduation day earthquake as an omen for the future of the senior

class.

The graduating seniors of 2005 are really going to shake up this

world, Roderick said.

While the graduation ceremony was spared from the rumblings of any

aftershocks, the air was buzzing with excitement and anticipation as

the seniors lined up on the school tennis courts before the ceremony.

“It hasn’t hit me yet,” said Lauren Peaslee, 17.

Peaslee and friends, girls in light-blue gowns and boys in royal

blue, stood in a huddle as they waited for their turn to march in to

the amphitheater.

“It feels fake,” said Gena Johnson, 18.

“It feels ... awesome!” said Brain Jacobo, 18.

For one senior, anxiety about an uncertain future had already set

in.

“I’m sacred ‘cause I really have to grow up now,” said Emily Tims,

17.

When the students had finally molded into a line, the ceremony

began promptly at 5 p.m. As the students filed in two-by-two, seated

guests stood and turned around to watch their seniors walk into the

future.

Senior Class President Heather Nguyen offered her peers some

inspirational thoughts from Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

“I hope that all of you will take these wise words from Dr. Seuss

and let it guide you all the places you’ll go,” Nguyen said.

Principal Roderick advised students to further their education and

build on character and values.

“The world needs you, your talent and your leadership, now more

than ever,” Roderick said.

Senior Speaker David Shapiro gave a speech that proved it’s never

too late for some cocky senior humor.

With a straight face, Shapiro told classmates that he almost

didn’t make it to graduation because there were only a few parking

spots remaining in the school parking lot when he arrived.

Thankfully, Shapiro said, he found an open spot.

“I parked in the staff parking section. I don’t care! I don’t go

here anymore!” Shapiro said.