Start of a new chapter

Danette Goulet

Much like the flock of white doves released into the late afternoon sky,

the Class of 2000 was set upon the world Wednesday afternoon at Newport

Harbor High School.

The proud stances, excited fidgeting and beaming smiles -- not to mention

the bright blue caps and gowns -- seemed to indicate the graduates were

ready to embark on their new lives.

“I am just thrilled. This is the best moment of my life,” said graduate

Christina Kern, 18, as she stood with her classmates waiting to accept

her diploma. “I’m surrounded by the people I love most in the world. I’m

looking at them and I’m so overwhelmed by the excitement and success of

it.”

Like Kern, other graduates expressed myriad emotions, ranging from

ecstatic glee for completing their high school career to an unexpected

apprehension and sadness over leaving their friends and their childhood

behind.

“I’m really glad I’m graduating and getting out of here,” said graduate

Nikko Gallardo, 18. “But I’m sad. I’ll miss my friends -- we’ll never all

be together again.”

An already poignant ceremony was made more so as the mother of beloved

classmate Andre Stewart, who died in a car accident in May, accepted the

diploma he had worked toward for four years.

It was also an emotional goodbye for Bob Boies, who gave his final

graduation address as principal of Newport Harbor.

“My message to them is, you showed great talent, ability and energy in

making the accomplishments you made as a high school student,” Boies

said. “Just remember the key to success is hard work and tenacity, and if

they work as hard as they worked in high school, they’ll be great

successes.”

There were some students who never thought the moment would come, and

those for whom it could not come soon enough.

“I remember watching some of my senior friends graduate when I was a

freshman,” said graduate April Ross, 18. “I never thought I’d get here

and I still can’t believe it.”

But they all eagerly embraced the day -- and a new chapter in their

lives.

“Welcome to the beginning of the next step,” said 18-year-old graduate

Brad Rothewell.