Oceanside seniors don their caps and gowns
By: CRAIG TENBROECK - Staff Writer | ∞
Alan Olson, Evelyn Olivas, center, and an unidentified graduate, celebrate at the conclusion of the El Camino High School's graduation ceremony at El Camino High School in Oceanside on Wednesday.
HAYNE PALMOUR IV Staff Photographer
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OCEANSIDE -- Seniors at three Oceanside public high schools made the emotional transition Wednesday from students to alumni during separate commencement ceremonies. 
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At Oceanside's waterfront amphitheater, an overflow crowd cheered on 385 graduates from Oceanside High, while seabirds passed overhead and surfers caught afternoon waves nearby.
"When you can graduate 50 yards from the water, it's a pretty special thing," remarked English teacher Brad Hollingsworth.
As graduates filed past, friends and family members used air horns, noisemakers and old-fashioned lung power to show their support, fulfilling a prediction uttered before the ceremony by City Councilman Jack Feller:
"You'll see some whooping and hollering here today that you don't see in too many places."
Across town at El Camino High School, spectators filled the stadium bleachers and the surrounding areas to watch the graduating class of 576 receive their diplomas.
Departing district Superintendent Kenneth Noonan told the graduates there it was fitting that the place where he gave his first commencement remarks 10 years ago would also be the site of his last.
"This class will have a special place in my heart as the last graduating class I salute," he said.
Ocean Shores, the district's continuation high school, held its ceremony for about 50 graduates earlier in the day at the Mission San Luis Rey.
In his remarks at El Camino, Principal Dan Daris said the class of 2007 was not only one of the school's largest, it also had earned more than $1 million in scholarships.
He pointed out one graduate, Victoria Richards, who earned a $50,000 scholarship to attend Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Penn.
Valedictorian Amy Register reminded her classmates of all they had accomplished, especially since the class started with 720 freshmen.
"Making it this far has to mean something," she said.
Hundreds of parents shared the graduates' moment of pride.
Although Patrice Ray described the school years as a "long ride," the glow on her face showed the experience was well worth it since her daughter, Ladonya "Ashley" Ray, had graduated.
"I can't believe it; I am just so proud of her," she said. Ý
At the waterfront, Oceanside High School Principal Kimo Marquardt praised his graduates for helping the school make Newsweek Magazine's list of the top 5 percent of the nation's public schools.
"This class represents courage and heart and persistence," Marquardt said.
Oceanside High's class of 2007 included 72 students heading to four-year colleges, 165 to community colleges and 10 to the military, Marquardt told the crowd.
Many of the graduates had customized their caps with personalized messages and wrapped vibrant leis around their necks. In the crowd, personalized banners, placards and T-shirts were commonplace.
Supervising students line up before the ceremony, Hollingsworth said it was always bittersweet to see good students move on.
"You wish them all the luck in the world and hope they listened once in awhile," he said with a smile.
-- Freelance writer Shannon Wingard contributed to this article. Contact staff writer Craig TenBroeck at (760) 631-6621 or ctenbroeck@nctimes.com.
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proud ECHS parent wrote on Jun 14, 2007 7:22 AM:WHAT!! No photo of the El Camino High graduation?? That is not very nice of the North County Times.....shame on you!
I am Arthur, King of the Britons.. wrote on Jun 14, 2007 7:34 AM:So, let me get this straight. Of the 720 students that started as freshman, only 385 are graduating. That's something like a 47 percent drop out or transfer rate. And, of those who are graduating, less than 20 percent are going to four-year colleges. I can't imagine a more scathing indictment on our public school system.
The numbers speak wrote on Jun 14, 2007 7:51 AM:Do the math again, Arthur, that was 576 of 720 which equals 80%. Also not a very high percentage!
"Arthur" Go Back for Remedial Reading Comprehension wrote on Jun 14, 2007 7:58 AM:Take another look, "Arthur", before you start your criticizing. The article clearly states that there were "385 graduates from Oceanside High". It goes on to discuss comments made by the principal at El Camino & their Valedictorian who "reminded her classmates of all they had accomplished, especially since the class started with 720 freshmen". Maybe you need some reading comprehension courses yourself?
Angie wrote on Jun 14, 2007 8:28 AM:Actually, the 720 students are those at El Camino, meaning that of those 720, 576 received diplomas. Nonetheless, the statistics are quite low.
Kim wrote on Jun 14, 2007 8:35 AM:I can't believe the NCT didn't print a photo of El Camino High Schools graduation. This hight school was listed in New Week as a top school this year. SHAME ON YOU!!!!
Authur get your facts straight wrote on Jun 14, 2007 9:05 AM:Read the article again. It seems that you have gotten the numbers for the 2 high schools mixed up. El Camino started with 720 freshman 4 years ago and graduated 576. Though a 20% drop out rate isn't good, it is much better than the 47%. You failed to pick up from the story that over 61% of the O'side graduates are moving onto higher education no matter a 4 year college or not. You also failed to miss perhaps the biggest stat from the article. Ten of those young kids have chosen to enter the military and fight for you and this great county and that speaks volume knowing that they may end up on the front lines in Iraq. It seems that you have made a feeble attempt to bad mouth the public school system. Give these 1155 kids credit where it is due. They have all made accomplished a major milestone and are on their way to becoming the leaders of tomorrow. CONGRATS to all class of 2007!!
John wrote on Jun 14, 2007 11:32 AM:Congrats Class of '07! You all made it through and got what you deserved!
Jim wrote on Jun 14, 2007 2:45 PM:Class of 1969 here. Hello to all my friends and associates.
Reply to I am Arthur wrote on Jun 14, 2007 3:16 PM:Public Schools embrace every student, regardless.
Proud ECHS parent wrote on Jun 14, 2007 4:48 PM:Thank you for editing your photos and ADDING one from ECHS. Now was that so difficult to do?
EC Graduate wrote on Jun 14, 2007 5:48 PM:You its merely stating that 720 students started at El Camino. It does not account the students that have transferred to other schools or have moved away or switched to private such as PVC. It does not add as well the students that have transferred over from sophomore , junior and even senior year as well. Numbers are just numbers they are just giving approximations you all should know that. As well as a four year college they are not paying like they use to. The more hands on students go into technical schools because that is where the "quick" money is at and we are able to get it done faster.
EC Graduate wrote on Jun 14, 2007 5:50 PM:Oh as well. NCT you need someone to work the images a little better. The links are pretty screwed up to say at the very least. Congrats to all the ones that have graduated in the year of 2007. Now on to take on the big bad world to make a difference no?
OHS c/o 04 wrote on Jun 14, 2007 7:14 PM:Congrats 2007! Hard work will bring lots of success. College at the university level is nothing like high school! Be prepared to work hard and the rewards will slowly work themselves into your life.--- C/O 2004 OHS, Current UCSD student
maria l wrote on Jun 19, 2007 2:34 PM:do you have more pictures of the graduation form el camino highschool class of 2007
Denise wrote on Sep 25, 2007 12:54 PM:Thank you for all the great memorizes at elcamino i love you alllllllll and will miss ma gratuating class of 2007 for ever wildcats we shall BE!!
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