Lakewood High Commencement

[Edward Favre]

Lakewood High School seniors, nearly 400 of them, marched across the stage to receive their high school diploma on Sunday, June 9, in front a packed Civic Auditorium full of their family and friends. Graduates received their diplomas from Board of Education President Edward Favre along with congratulations from Superintendent Jeff Patterson.

Superintendent Patterson congratulated the class and told them that the "key to success is within each of you....your success will also depend on your work ethic, character and confidence you have in yourself."

The class also heard and received congratulations from Principal Bill Wagner in his last graduation ceremony as principal and Board President Edward Favre whose comments described commencement as a community event.

A highlight of each commencement ceremony is hearing from the student speakers. This year, Frannie Grauel and Amira Nasrallah were chosen by their classmates to speak, and valedictorian Sheila McMahon addressed her class as well.

Graul's speech, "Be a Lion" challenged each of her classmates to find their inspiration, and be aware that it may come from anywhere. She asked each of her classmates to find the lion inside them that will help them go forth and make a difference.

Nasrallah's speech, "Our Pursuit of Happiness," spoke to the illusiveness of happiness. She challenged her classmates to find their happiness by being a lifelong learner, by being brave and trying new things.

McMahon reminesced about reaching another transition in their lives, another time when they are moving forward and entering a future of mystery. She challenged her peers to "do, live, earn" and reminded them that "we have the power to shape the world."

During the ceremony, Wagner recognized several special student groups including those wearing National Honor Society stoles, French Honor Society ribbons, Career Technical Honor Society medals, the 26 students enlisting in a military branch and the 43 students wearing Hawthorne Medals for finishing their high school careers with a 4.0 GPA or better.

Congratulations to these and all the Class of 2013 graduates!

The ceremony is airing on Cox Cable Ch. 74 and AT&T U-verse at 8 a.m., noon, 4 p.m and 8 p.m. every day.