AHS graduates encouraged to make a positive change

by Sophia Fischersfischer@theacorn.com

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT—Geneva De Palma, a graduating senior from Agoura High School, keeps the late afternoon sun out of her eyes as she prepares for commencement cermonies at the high school football stadium last week. Behind her, from left, are Matthew Deneau, Joey Desiderio, and Hank Dean. Agoura graduated 480 seniors in the class of 2005. Not long after Agoura High School’s class of 2005 began their freshman year, the September 11 tragedy took place. As those same students graduated last Friday evening, Principal Larry Misel challenged them to make a difference in the world.

“Now it is your turn to create history,” Misel said. “Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly.”

The overcast skies and rain earlier in the day completely cleared in time for the ceremony, held outdoors in the school’s stadium. Under the setting sun, the 480 graduates, dressed in blue caps and gowns, took their seats while the symphonic band played the graduation processional. White columns and green plants decorated the area.

Joel Barr, head counselor, led the Tradition of Excellence Medal Presentation in which seniors with 4.0 GPAs presented medals to juniors with 4.0 GPAs. The 33 juniors wore gold robes.

“This is a symbol of recognition and encouragement to continue this tradition of excellence,” Barr said.

Brian Kelly, the only student speaker, called Agoura’s senior year an exaggerated and twisted version of kindergarten. He likened the current iPod craze to discovering Velcro shoes as a kindergartner, and instead of coveting shiny metal Ninja Turtle lunchboxes as fiveyear-olds, wishing for a Silverado truck instead. He urged his fellow seniors to remember their roots, no matter how far their lives may take them from Agoura.

“Remember who we are and where we came from and never let our memories fade away,” Kelly said.

In receiving the class of 2005, Board of Education member Terilyn Finders, godmother of an AHS student, commended the graduates for their academic as well as their personal achievements.

“These students are lovely people, kind to each other and to those around them,” said Finders to cheers and applause. “They will touch the world in a special way.”