VISTA -- Graduation season will come to Vista on Wednesday, when more than 1,300 students graduate from Vista Unified School District's two main high schools.
Preparing for the ceremonies can be an emotional experience, said Amy Bray, one of two valedictorians at Vista High School.
"I'm really excited, but also kind of sad about leaving my friends behind," she said. "It's kind of overwhelming if I think about it."
Both schools will have traditional graduation ceremonies, complete with students speeches and musical performances.
Vista High will graduate roughly 650 students, while about 700 are expected to receive diplomas this year from Rancho Buena Vista High School.
Both ceremonies are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Wednesday at each school.
The event and days leading up to it are filled with "anxious happiness," said Varda Levy, principal at Rancho Buena Vista.
"Everyone is festive," Levy said. "Everyone is happy. Everyone is excited."
This year's seniors have left their mark on the culture of the school by starting several ongoing activities, including after-school think tanks and various charity events, Levy said.
Valedictorian Katherine Zhao also had nothing but praise for this year's graduating class.
"I might be a little biased," she said, "but, we're the best graduating class ever."
Zhao plans to attend UC Berkeley in the fall, majoring in economics. Eventually, she plans to go to law school to study international relations. Someday, the Chinese immigrant said she would like to work as an ambassador.
Across town, a strong senior class is also graduating from Vista High, said Principal Larry White.
"These are great students," he said. "They've been strong role models."
White said it's been rewarding to see the awkward freshmen of four years ago grow into the confident adults of tomorrow.
Graduation marks "a transition into adulthood," he said.
The school's co-valedictorians will speak together at Wednesday's ceremony.
"It's really exciting," said Erin Inman, one of the two valedictorians. "It's a big celebration and your last good-bye."
Inman plans to go to Stanford University to major in human biology. Eventually, she said she wants to go to medical school.
Bray, her best friend, plans to attend Dartmouth College in New Hampshire to major in neuroscience and hopes to some day work as a research scientist.
"It seems kind of surreal," Bray said. "I've been in high school for the past four years. It's kind of weird to think of being anywhere else."
Tickets are required for either ceremony.
Because thousands of people are expected to attend, school officials are recommending attendees get to the school a couple hours early to find parking.
"Give plenty of time to find parking and walk," Levy said. "People should not expect to drive here and within five minutes be inside the stadium."
Graduation ceremonies are not only important for gradates and parents, they're also special for teachers, Levy said.
"It is actually a very heartwarming and touching experience for all teachers," she said. "I, for one, am feeling very excited for these young folks."
Call staff writer Stacy Brandt at 760-901-4009.
