Ready to move on

Inspiring words echoed across campuses, amphitheaters and stadiums.

Diplomas were handed out, and the camera flashes flickered in a few

hours of hugs, kisses, big grins and cheers.

In one day, local high school seniors’ lives changed as parents,

teachers, friends and other family members watched.

The class of 2004 from Edison, Huntington Beach, Marina, Ocean

View, Coast and Valley Vista high schools graduated last week.

In all of the pomp and circumstance, the messages cut through:

Pride. Thankfulness. Freedom. Growing up. Saying goodbye. Looking

at the future. The memories.

The Independent was there to catch a glimpse of the euphoria as

local graduates absorbed their last hours in high school. Some spoke

of the effort it took to get through their high school years. Others

highlighted friendship and great teachers. At least one student was

still trying to grasp the idea of not having to get up and go to

school this morning.

On the following pages is the record. Feel free to turn the page

for more, and follow these students as they turned their own pages in

life.

* For graduation stories, see pages A9-A13.