Congrats Class of 2018: Santa Barbara High School Commencement at the Bowl
They’ve passed all their exams and signed dozens of yearbooks, now the real world is waiting.
Over 500 Santa Barbara High Schools Seniors tossed their caps into the air Thursday night at the Santa Barbara Bowl.
Aside from some minor hiccups getting everyone into the bowl on time, It was a day of celebration and pomp and circumstance at SBHS’s 143rd Commencement.
Oh the places you’ll go…
“High school has come to an end and the world is now waiting for us,” said Anais Jimenez, Associated Student Body President.
Just like that, 515 Santa Barbara High School Seniors turned the page to the next chapter in their lives.
“We have many reasons to be scared for the future but instead of dreading the inevitable mundane tasks of adulthood, I want you to be excited for the diversity we represent, the art we will create and the memories we manifest,” said Alyssa Cardenas Mendoza, graduating senior.
New memories were made at the Santa Barbara Bowl as Peabody Stadium undergoes a $38 million dollar face lift.
“This might be a once in a lifetime for Santa Barbara High School and it’s kind of neat to be a part of the graduation ceremony at the Santa Barbara County Bowl where it may never happen again,” said Kent Pierce, parent of a graduate.
A journey over 12 years in the making, that got off to a late start.
“I don’t think people anticipated how long it would take to get into the bowl and get through security and everything else but its a beautiful night,” said Pierce.
A once in a lifetime achievement, a bittersweet milestone.
“We were making our journey over here today it was our last trip together making that trek from home to school,” said one mother.
,With diplomas in hand, “you’re off to great places, today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”
“Here’s to every heartbreak, every high school touchdown, to very desperate move to pass a class, to all of the lives lost but never forgotten over the last four years and finally to you class of 2018,” said Mendoza.
Students honored fallen classmate Andrew Hernandez with a touching tribute.
Thursday’s commencement also marked John Becchio’s last graduation as Principal.
School officials say 58% of students will be attending a two-year college and 35% of this 2018 class are headed off to a four-year college or university.
