The Scotts Valley High School Class of 2014 entered the field as Falcons and left as graduates, ready to take on the world on Thursday, June 12.
The Falcon football field was packed with a sea of parents, siblings, grandparents, and other well-wishers as 168 students received their diplomas.
The ceremony included a performance of the national anthem by Colton Marshall, Conor McDermott, and Sean Stiles, as well as speeches from Valedictorian Andrew Speirs and Salutatorian Alexandra Beraut, and students Annalisa Barca-Hall and Timothy Potts.
As well as hearing from their peers, the ceremony’s keynote speaker was Christie Danner, who, as director of the SVHS College and Career Center had advised many of the graduating students on how to prepare for their next steps in life.
“My greatest hope is that you’ve felt supported,” Danner said to the graduates. “We value and honor your path in life, whatever you decide to do.”
She advised the students one last time, telling them to treat others and themselves with kindness, respect, and love, as well as to be open to changes and to be willing to push the bounds of their comfort zones.
“Bad things can happen, and it’s your job to overcome them,” Danner said. “You and only you will decide who you will become.”
