Oxnard High hosts its 117th graduation ceremony for more than 600 students

OXNARD, Calif. – Oxnard High School held its graduation ceremony on its football field the day after California reopened for business.

Principal Richard Urias got choked up when he talked about how the Yellowjackets worked through the pandemic and returned to 'The Hive' for in-person instruction.

Urias quoted Maya Angelou and Dr. Seuss before congratulating 608 graduates. It was the Oxnard High School's 117 graduating class. The 120-year-old high school is considered Ventura County's flagship school.

The seniors placed a cap and gown on a white chair in honor of classmate and water polo player Jess Rowan who passed away their Junior year.

When the classmates turned their tassels they didn't throw their caps in the air like past graduates.

The school held a mortarboard decorating day earlier in the week and many of the students said they wanted to hold onto their works of art.