Senior classes from two area high schools celebrate their graduation next week with ceremonies on their campuses.
La Jolla High School (LJHS) and University City High School (UCHS) seniors will host graduation ceremonies Monday, June 16 at 2 p.m.
UCHS Principal Michael Price said he looks forward to delivering a speech to his first group of graduating seniors since he returned to UCHS from a stint as principal of Point Loma High.
“I opened the school 27 years ago as chairman of mathematics,” Price said. “I am very proud of this senior class. They have exceeded our expectations on everything.”
Price said he’s really happy to be back.
“I will give a short address,” Price said. “It’s my last chance to talk to the seniors.”
Price said he plans to focus the five or six minutes allotted for the speech, since his is his last chance to tell students about life, he said.
“Not everybody’s going to be watching over them, so this is how you do it,” Price said.
UCHS will begin its graduation ceremony at the school’s stadium.
Along with Price, valedictorian Yixing Michelle Zhou will speak, said UCHS counselor Holly Harding.
Among the 445 UCHS students graduating, salutatorian Nicholas McGee will speak and Marvin Calderjon Jr. will sing “The Star Spangled Banner,” while the UCHS Band will play “Pomp and Circumstance,” Harding said.
Each student is given six tickets and one parking ticket. For more information or ticket requests call the school, (858) 457-3040.
LJHS will hold its graduation ceremony at Gene Edwards Field behind the school on Fay Avenue.
LJHS valedictorian Haoyu Sun and salutatorian Daisy Zhou will speak, said administrative assistant Susie Struhar.
“There are 366 students graduating,” Struhar said.
The school’s Viking concert band will play with the singing chorus, called the Madrigals. Student Melissa Helm will recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Principal Dana Shelburne will speak, then John de Beck from the San Diego Unified District’s Board of Education. Area Superintendent Carol Barry will make a presentation, Struhar said. Some students will speak, then members of the graduating senior class will receive their diplomas from school counselors.
Student Sophie Tuttleman-Kriegler will make closing remarks, Struhar said.
All seniors receive six tickets. For more tickets, call the school. LJHS is located at 750 Nautilus St. For information, call (858) 454-3081.
UCHS is at 6949 Genesee Ave. For information, call (858) 457-3040.