Newbury Park High School graduates are stronger and closer after a year marked by grief

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers GETTING IT JUST RIGHT- Newbury Park High School senior Alex Luizzi, 17, left, gets some help with her cap from fellow senior Megan Sentianin, 18. The last minute adjustment came last Friday, just before Newbury Park High School's graduation ceremony. After a year marked not only by academic and athletic excellence but also by tragedy, Newbury Park High School hosted its graduation ceremony last week. Nearly 600 students received diplomas.

Teacher Kelley Stone, National Honor Society adviser, was the keynote speaker.

"This has been a challenging year in so many ways. I found strength here," Stone said, tears streaming down her face. "I watched you come together every time. It made you stronger and it made you closer."

The students of NPHS have coped with multiple tragedies, including the deaths of Cody Murphy in an April car crash and Rick Young, who committed suicide earlier this month.

The mood was somber as graduate Nicole Dichirico welcomed attendees and thanked the faculty and staff at NPHS.

"You have educated our heads, held our hands . . . and nurtured our souls," Dichirico said. "Your investment in us is completed now. We became students of character, courage and conviction."

Fifteen students were named valedictorians, all earning a 4.65 grade-point average or higher. A video with short interviews of each was presented during the ceremony.

"Over the past four years, the biggest change in me is that I'm smarter, harder working and better looking," said valedictorian Jacob Rashoff.

Samir Siddhanti gave the valedictory address, drawing on the upcoming Olympic games.

"Remember, we have been trained, nurtured and guided to be a favorite in whatever we choose to do," Siddhanti said. "Go for the gold, Panthers."

Paul Westover, another student speaker, reflected on first loves, football games and the last day of school.

"We blinked and it's all disappeared," Westover said. "I don't know how many of you I will ever see again. I don't like to think about it. But I know I'll look back on the journey we've made for us and relive the joy and laughter."

The senior Chamber Singers performed "For Just a Little While," and students Aimee Hoff and Alexandra Luizzi sang "Together We Are One."

"It's hard to picture life without high school," said graduate Alyson Betel. "After today we are pretty much on our own. We will soon be in the real world- the real world we've heard so much about. We have the rest of our lives to look forward to. . . . Our lives begin again today. Embrace life, fulfill your dreams and live to your utmost potential."

Principal Athol Wong left the graduates with one last piece of advice.

"This is the first time since you entered public education that your next step is not predetermined," Wong said. "Believe it or not, you are ready."