By LILY TINOCO | Reporter
The Palisades Charter High School Class of 2021 celebrated the culmination of their time at the school with in-person commencement ceremonies on Thursday, June 10, at the Stadium by the Sea.
In compliance with Los Angeles County Public Health regulations, the graduation was split into two separate ceremonies: one at 10 a.m. and a second at 5 p.m. Both were also streamed live for individuals to watch from home, amassing more than 5,000 views to date.
“After more than a year off campus, I am truly grateful that we’re able to gather in-person today to celebrate this very remarkable class,” Principal Pam Magee said ahead of the ceremony. “To … the incredible Class of 2021, I want to commend you. I want to commend you for your remarkable resilience and adaptability, two traits that are going to serve you very well as you move forward in life.
“We look forward to watching, supporting and cheering on your progress as you make your marks on the world.”
Pali High student body President Isabel Gill led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem was sung by Erica Gedgaudus, Yman Kamgaing-Wappi and Mia Ruhman.
The ceremony then featured Nick Melvoin, LAUSD board member, who shared a message to attendees. Melvoin’s address was followed by words from Senior Class President Michael Brent IV.
“Throughout my time at Pali, I saw a lot of happiness and love from this class,” he shared. “I saw it firsthand on the first day of high school and I see it here today. I have every reason to believe it will continue tomorrow … from our best days to our worst days, we shall overcome. I truly believe that.”
Salutatorian Isaac Ethan Hamid presented next, followed by ASB senior class representative Itzel Hernandez.
Director of Academic Planning Dr. Chris Lee was moved to tears during his address, joyful that the day was made possible due to collective acts of “togetherness.”
“From scientists working collectively across the world to Angelenos in our great city adhering to safety guidelines, to your PCHS family committed to supporting your academic journey,” Lee said. “Together we could triumph, indeed we’re all in this together. From the bottom of my heart, seeing you all here together again will be one of my most cherished graduation memories.”
Graduates were then called forward to accept their diplomas. More than 700 seniors walked in the ceremonies, Magee shared in an email.
Last year, Pali High’s Class of 2020 made history June 4 with the first-ever virtual commencement ceremony—complete with a bevy of guest appearances by local celebrities tied to the school and community.
The two-hour graduation, which went online due to campus closures and COVID-19, garnered more than 10,000 views for the roughly 700 graduating Pali High students.
Visit youtube.com/channel/UCkm8mmcUhr709_o6Qn9rd6Q to view this year’s ceremonies.
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