Schools
PHOTOS: Rancho Bernardo High School Graduation
Hells Bells chimes for parade of dignitaries at Viejas Arena on SDSU campus before cheering families and friends.
Principal Paul Robinson, accompanied by senior Cory Williams on guitar, serenaded nearly 700 graduates Thursday night at Rancho Bernardo High School’s commencement at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University. After family and friends packed into the indoor home to the Aztecs, the lights dimmed and Hells Bells began playing as the parade of dignitaries began. Then Pomp and Circumstance began as the students marched in.
The national anthem was performed by the RBHS Madrigals, who also sang a song called Wanting Memories by Ysaye M. Barnwell. Chelsea Milne sang Whenever You Remember, followed by the Robinson-Williams duet. The valedictorian was Ankit Kumar, and the salutatorian was Rushi Patel. Other student speakers were Delaney Schenk, Caroline Williams and Corey Permann.
Robinson congratulated the seniors as he wore the pierced earring which he wore all year after students scored 855 on the school’s Academic Performance Index (API), according to the commencement program. “I have probably worn that earring all year, and will leave it on the podium today,” he said in a message to parents.
After diplomas were handed out, students cheered and tossed their blue-and-white carnations into the air—many of them looking forward to college. Robinson said the Class of 2011 was awarded $5.8 million in scholarships and grants.
