Los Gatos High School Graduates Move On

Thousands of friends and family members packed 's front lawn Friday evening to celebrate the 123rd commencement of the graduating Class of 2011.

There were shouts and cheers and even bullhorns as Los Gatos’ 398 graduating students walked down the front steps of the school in their black and white caps and gowns and onto the front terrace to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance performed by the school band.

Senior Angela Uno gave the welcome speech encouraging the graduates to be successful after high school.

“Is this real? Or is this just happening inside my head?” asked Uno. “We have the potential to be anything we want to be and let us show the world what we can do.”

The Star Spangled Banner was performed by graduating senior Alexis Ritchey.

Student speaker Darren Hau, who won the school’s grad speech contest, reminded his class to remember their Los Gatos roots after high school.

“We are all part of the Los Gatos community," said Hau. “No matter where we go out in the world, we will always remember who we are.”

Los Gatos Principal Markus Autrey presented the class to Superintendent Cary Matsuoka and trustees who awarded the students their diplomas.

Senior honor graduate Nicky Robinson and class Valedictorian Steven Nugent gave the farewell addresses.

The sun shined bright throughout the ceremony, while cheerful, giddy graduates eagerly waited their turn to walk up the stage to get their diplomas and then be reunited with their friends and family.

Senior Katie Spada said that she will never forget Los Gatos High School when she leaves for Ohio State University in the fall to study dietary nutrition.

“I’ve only been at Los Gatos High for the last two years but it has been a very welcoming community and family,” said Spada. “I’m especially going to miss the spirit rallies, classes and getting together with the other classes to compete.”

Senior Alex Burkhart was anxious to start the commencement as he sat in a classroom before the ceremony.

“It’s been a wild ride,” Burkhart said about his four years at Los Gatos. “The high school has put me on the right track. I’m going to miss my friends and teachers who helped make it happen.”

Burkhart will be attending Willamette University in Oregon in the fall.

As some of the volunteer teachers stood aside and proudly watched their students in cap and gowns, AP history teacher Allen Rudolph had to hold his emotion back.

“It’s fun to be here,” Rudolph said. “The students worked really hard to get here and they, as well as their families, are getting rewarded today for their hard work."