Music highlights Westlake graduation

By Steve Holtsteve@theacorn.com

Year after year, it’s the music at Westlake High School commencement that makes it an extraordinary event. Last Thursday was no exception.

It began with “Pomp and Circumstance” as nearly 500 seniors proceeded to their seats on both sides of the 50-yard line at Warrior Stadium. The band was conducted by Kyle Luck, the school’s director of instrumental music.

A large crowd had arrived early and was thankful for the “June gloom” that kept the sun in and out of the clouds and the temperature comfortable.

“The Star-Spangled Banner” was presented in perfect harmony by A Class Act, a group of vocalists led by Alan Rose, the WHS director of choral music.

Senior Matt Walker gave a brief but moving speech titled “You Raise Me Up” that provoked teary eyes and lumpy throats.

Anna Cao, senior class president, encouraged her classmates to think of and always remember those who had inspired them.

A jazzy version of “Shining Star” was presented by a group of eight musicians, followed by Gladys Manrique and Rebecca Redman, who took a lighthearted look at life in high school—and apologized to everyone who had coped with senioritis.

“Here’s to the Night,” performed by a quartet, was reminiscent of folk music and accompanied by guitars and a banjo.

Jordan Michaels and Mark Shankar bantered back and forth with some good-natured conversation about their generation.

The valedictorian, May Lou, and salutatorians Derek Yu Hsu and Jordan Michaels were honored.

Michelle Bennett encouraged members of the Class of 2005 to favorably change someone else’s life as they enter adulthood. Her classmate, Catherine Ricafort, put her heart and soul into the song “One Moment in Time.”

Principal Ron Lipari shared a dozen suggestions on successful living and presented the class to Timothy Stephens, trustee of Conejo Valley Unified School District. Then many of the seniors left to enjoy an overnight trip to Disneyland and breakfast the next morning as the Class of 2005 said goodbye to Westlake High School.