Musketeers Mark Graduation

The Moorpark High School stadium was packed to the brim with the families and friends of the 2011 graduating class Thursday evening.

Before the graduates poured onto the field—the girls decked out in lemon yellow caps and gowns and the boys in kelly green—a number of seniors performed songs, ending with a  rendition of This is the Moment, by graduate Adam Rayzor.

The air of excitement was tangible, although for many, the ceremony marks a bittersweet turning point in their lives.

Jamal Barakat, the first senior speaker, set the tone for the rest of the ceremony.

"If we find our power by cherishing what lies behind us, welcoming what lies before us, and discovering what lies within us, we shall rejoice in great company," he said. "If greatness is our deepest fear, walk fearlessly today and celebrate this wondrous moment, and propel yourself from here to greatness."

Meagan Bryan, this year's senior homecoming queen and an honor grad who will be attending Boston University in the fall, summed it up.

"There are so many feelings that come with graduating from high school. I will miss my friends so much, however, I am excited for the new adventure that I am about to embark on," she said. "It is a very liberating feeling, as I am leaving the safety nest of Moorpark and spreading my wings to new opportunities."

Ally Kay, a graduating senior who plans on attending UC Santa Barbara in the fall, said that graduation felt surreal.

"I can't believe that I'm old enough to be a high school graduate. I still feel like I could be a freshman," she said.

In the scheme of things, Kay realizes high school is just a step on the road towards greater things.

"I'm very excited to go forward to that next step in my life, and I can't wait for college. High school is nothing. You have your whole life ahead of you," she said.

However, Moorpark High School principal, Jason Peplinski warned students not to spend too much time looking towards the ahead.

"Don't be caught living in the future," he told the graduates. "You don't live there. The things that happen to us happen in the now, so live for today."

There was an emphasis on goodbyes at this year's graduation. Four teachers who have more than 100 years teaching experience between them are bidding their jobs farewell, as is the Moorpark superintendent, Ellen Smith.

Larry Jones, a retiring teacher who has led the Moorpark Academic Decathlon to several victories over the years spoke to this point.

"The four of us on this stage have taught 17,525 students in our combined years, give or take," he said. "We encourage each of you graduates to find a way to make a positive difference in the lives of others. If you do, your actions and your ideas will give us all hope for the future."

Seniors (and identical twins) Kady and Taylor Walker spoke about the value of being part of a team, as well as reveling in one's uniqueness, while April Huang and Amy Yagi described how social networking has molded their sense of community, communication, and identity throughout high school.

Principal Peplinski closed the presentation of the class of 2011.

"I wish you a beautiful graduation and the best that life has to offer," he said. "Congratulations."

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