My Daughter Sophia Graduates High School

(My Mom claiming I "set out to make her look bad" asks if this "can be Photo-shopped?")

As Graduation began Mr. Dabbs spoke to us to open the Pacific Graduation.



Sophia lead in her class.

Following Mr. Guzik, her terrific math teacher.

And the choir sang. ( that's my old 1st grader Ryan Ota on piano)


She's going to be a little bit...well...here's Sophia's Valediction Address:

"Good Evening,
I feel very flattered to speak to everyone on this occasion. I think so highly of the students of Pacifica, and whatever advice I can give them, I know they have provided me so much more in these four years. You are all uniquely talented, wonderful, and remarkable people.

The Valedictorian can be perceived as some sort of extra-spectacular, high-achieving prodigy, but in my eyes, there are no real distinctions between me and the students sitting before me.
Pacifica students made my years here worthwhile, whether we were laughing or agonizing over schoolwork, their positive attitudes and delightful senses of humor are what made them such good friends. The best friends I could have asked for.

I worked hard at Pacifica, most days, and for me it wasn't the grades that counted most, it's the amazing things young people have done and can do. Despite our negative reputation as "teenagers," Pacifica students amaze me. Just look at all we produce-the yearbook, the newspaper, the CIF wins, music, and the list goes on. I think they embody comradery, dedication, and hard work to the highest degree. Because what they do, they don't do it for rewards or even for praise. Oftentimes, they just do what they enjoy, and have an incredible time doing it.

Friends have meant so much these past four years and so have Pacifica teachers. Pacifica teachers give a lot. For me, the best classes happen with teachers who trust and respect their students and who help them develop a sense of personal accountability with just the right amount of support and guidance. I've been lucky to have teachers who have respect for and confidence in their students, and this has made all the difference.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the administration, parents, families, and everyone who have come to support us this evening. Thank you. Together, with our friends, you have given us what we needed to move forth from graduation. I wish all the students of Pacifica's class of 2009 all the best. Congratulations, you are the best."

It's was a lovely graduation excepting people unable to stay seated milling like crazy and in the end unble to sit in any way during the reading of the names speaking perhaps to a need for community to process some a bit on "how to behave" in an event like this. But I really was proud seeing sophia lead in her class and listening to her address. My daughter Sylvia was here due to her father's Herculean driving making it from CalTech just in time to see her sister, only by minutes. My Mom particularly proud though she could not hear the address really. :-( Too many boat horns hurting her ability further.) All of the event just was really nice. I felt a million years past the day Sophia arrived one evening in 5 minutes just boom, here in her world. She did a wonderful job. As my mom likes to say so competent at everything she attempts. Onto her summer......





Sylvia praised the "length" and thought Sophia "did a great job."
She really did.
What a lovely four years.

It's a funny connection but it is how I feel...