Poway High Class of 2014 graduates tonight

By Emily Sorensen

Poway High School’s Class of 2014 graduates at 6 o’clock tonight (Thursday) at the high school.

There will be 563 seniors walking across the stage to receive their diplomas this year. The valedictorian is Duc Phuc Nguyen, with a GPA of 4.52, and the salutatorian is Jacob Basinger, with a GPA of 4.49.

The ceremony, which will be held on the football field, will begin with the school band, conducted by Mike Cook, playing “Pomp and Circumstance” as the graduates walk into the stadium, followed by Cook conducting the National Anthem.

Speaking at the graduation will be senior class president Evan Barresi, valedictorian Duc Phuc Nguyen and senior speaker Rhajaa Wright.

There will be three songs sung at the graduation. The Die Lieders choir will perform “For Good,” conducted by Nancy Gray. Senior Allison Leete will be singing “What I Did For Love,” and senior Jackie Foster will be singing “When You Believe.”

Teacher of the Year Katie McMillan will be recognizing the academic achievers among the graduates, and Principal Ron Garrett will be presenting the class of 2014 to Mel Robertson, associate superintendent of Learning Support Services, who will receive the class.

Robertson will be joined by school board President Todd Gutschow in granting diplomas to the seniors as they cross the stage.

The class of 2014 will then recite the school’s alma mater, led by Danielle Bybee, Kaela Marriott, Adrianna Korte-Nahabedian and Jamie Zabrocki.

Principal Ron Garrett will then offer closing remarks, and lead the seniors in the turning of their tassels.

Graduation will be followed by Grad Night for the seniors starting at 10 p.m. and continuing until 5 a.m. the following day. This year’s theme is “Midnight in Paris” and will be held in the school gym. The event, designed to provide seniors with a safe place to celebrate graduating, will include performances by a sax quartet and mimes. There will also be games, food and a casino.

Rancho Bernardo High School’s graduation will be 5:30 today (Thursday), and for the first time in 17 years, will be held at the high school. Valedictorian Nathan Ng will be giving a speech at the graduation ceremony. Salutatorian Sathya Ramesh will also be recognized at the ceremony.

Also graduating next week are Abraxas High School, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, and the Poway Adult School, at 6:30 p.m. also on Wednesday, June 18.