Moorpark High School grads ready for risks, challenges
Class of 2007 called 'confident'
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Photos by SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers FUNNY SONG--Emma Stanley, Kevin Kellogg and Andy Rivera entertain school officials, their peers and a large crowd as they perform "I Wish I Could Go Back to High School" during the Moorpark High School commencement exercises at Musketeer Stadium last week.

'Success is not the key to happiness but happiness is the key to success.' --Cindy Calderon, Moorpark High senior

Addressing Moorpark High School's commencement last week, Superintendent Ellen Smith defined the graduates as the "millennial generation," shaped both by current events and by the generation that came before them.

The millennial generation, now coming of age, has been sheltered because many had "helicopter" parents who hovered over them, Smith said.

But she also finds this generation confident and poised, team-oriented achievers, pressured and sometimes conventional.

As they make the transition into adulthood some members of the Class of 2007 worry about their career path because they're unsure of how they will support themselves. But they shouldn't worry because they are well prepared to handle the challenges ahead, said Smith.

ONE MORE BALLAD- Graduating senior Emma Stanley sings "Greatest Love of All" at Moorpark High School graduation ceremony last Thursday.

"Opportunity is knocking" said senior speaker Cethlinn Cunningham as she knocked on the podium overlooking her peers at the Musketeer Stadium last Thursday.

"Sometimes we must take risks and accept challenges to pursue meaningful things," Cunningham said, but with perseverance and support this generation will be able to catch many more golden moments.

"The door of opportunity is open and waiting for you to walk through," said Cunningham.

The stadium was filled with 527 graduates wearing green and yellow gowns and caps. Many school officials and family members came to celebrate the special moment with the students. Motivational speakers and talented performers took the stage for one last time to entertain the crowd and address the graduates.

HONORED- Above, Ryan Hnarakis bows while Moorpark High School Principal Kirk Miyashiro places a medal around his neck in recognition for his achievements. Hnarakis is one of 38 seniors who maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout all four years.

After four years at Moorpark High School, the Class of 2007 is ready for the next step, but didn't reach this point without the help of parents and teachers, the speakers said.

"Today we celebrate the end of our high school years and those who helped us along the way," said Tracy Akashi, who throughout her high school career achieved a 4.0 grade point average, accompanied by 38 other graduates.

For now, the pages on the books of these young people's lives are mostly blank but they hold the prospect of being filled with hopes and dreams. "We have penned the first chapters of our lives and we will explore the opportunities ahead," Akashi said.

"Success is not the key to happiness but happiness is the key to success," said seniors Cindy Calderon and Andreina Morales as they addressed the class in Spanish and English.

CONGRATULATIONS- Right, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Charles Weis looks on as Moorpark Unified School District School Board President Greg Barker greets Zahabiya Chithiwala after she receives her diploma at the Moorpark High School commencement week. Chithiwala is a member of the California Scholarship Federation.

As adults, these young people must seek to understand world events and they have an obligation to create new and innovative solutions, said teacher Trine Harvuot.

Principal Kirk Miyashiro reflected that these young adults will now be in control of their lives and their rewards.

Miyashiro gave one last assignment to the students, asking them to thank someone they know for the support they have received over the years.