Oceanside High School’s freshest batch of graduates

Oceanside High School conferred degrees on the 502 graduates of the class of 2011 at the school’s 108th commencement ceremonies on June 24.

The graduation was held in the school’s auditorium, divided into 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. sessions because of the inclement weather.

The class of 2011 was the first class in Oceanside to go through the district’s full-day kindergarten. The School 6 principal, Rhonda Gelbwasser, was at the ceremony to say goodbye to the students that she welcomed to the district 13 years ago and to help present them with their diplomas.

“I feel that our grade is composed of nearly 500 exception individuals,” Salutatorian Stacey Jackson told the class and the auditorium full of spectators. “I have learned how important it is for each of us to view life as an independent thinker. When we come together, we’re able to bring amazingly distinctive qualities and ideas to the table, leaving indelible footprints behind.”

Superintendent Dr. Herb Brown spoke to the graduates about the hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. Brown recounted a story of someone asking Gretzky what the key to his success was, and his answer that he would skate to where the puck was going to be, not where it was.

“Everyone knows where the puck is, and everyone can skate in that direction,” said Brown. “But to be successful and stand out from the crowd, we must anticipate where the puck will be and skate there.”

He encouraged the students to try to anticipate the changes that would come in the future and gear themselves up for them. He also told them that they should make their marks on the world by being themselves. “Don’t become known for how much money you make or what kind of house you live in,” said Brown. “Become know for yourself, for who you are, what you stand for and how you help others.”

Michele Feinstein, the valedictorian, compared the graduating class to cookies. “Like cookies, people come in various shapes and sizes,” she said. “Hopefully, none of us are crumby.”

Instead of presenting a gift to the school, as is the custom for an outgoing class, this year’s seniors made donations to Oceanside Community Service, the Oceanside District Scholarship Fund and Oceanside Humanitarian Services.