Gusty Santa Maria Valley winds and bright afternoon sun marked a jubilant graduation ceremony Friday as approximately 500 “Warriors” received their diplomas at the Righetti High School commencement.

Seniors dressed in the school's signature purple with golden tassels marched with pomp and circumstance inside the school's stadium, which was packed with friends and family members.

Principal Catherine Ulrich delivered the welcoming speech to the class of 2007.

“It's an honor to be here with the class that I started with four years ago,” she said, referring to when she became principal at the school in 2003.

She said 80 percent of the class of 2007 will be going on to college. Of those, she noted, 280 students will go to a community college; 15 will go to private or out-of-state colleges; 19 will study in the University of California system; and 52 will go to a California State University. She added 7 percent will go into the military.

Samantha Rhine, one of the valedictorians, was among the school's elected speakers. She spoke about the four years at the school and the many changes both the school and the students experienced. She said it was time to let go and move on into the next phase of their lives.

“We have a lot further to go ... I'm confident that we will all succeed,” she said. “We have a special bond to Righetti High School, but it's time to say goodbye. The Righetti High School class of 2007 is finally graduating.”

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Instead of a speech, valedictorian Brian Kam decided to dedicate the song “This Day” to his fellow classmates.

“We've been here for four years and the memories we shared, we will hold dear,” he sang as he strummed his guitar. “Soon we're gonna see what it's like to be set free ...”

After receiving their diplomas, the graduates waited anxiously for the tassel turn, sealing the completion of their high school careers.

Antonio Ortiz led his fellow Warriors in a countdown to making the switch.

“One, two, three,” he shouted as he made the turn. “Now we're out of here!”

On that note, the hundreds of graduates tossed their caps in the air, sprinkling the green grass with purple.

Melissa Jenkins, 18, said she couldn't wait to continue her studies in the fall at San Diego State University, where she will major in elementary education and journalism.

“I'm excited that I finally graduated,” she said.

Julian Frost, 18, said he plans to go to Hancock College in the fall.

“I feel pretty good,” he said about graduating. “Now, it's time to go party.”

Kimberlina Rocha can be reached at 739-2216 or krocha@

santamariatimes.com

June 9, 2007