Members of San Clemente High School’s Class of 2023 toss their caps into the air at the conclusion of their graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
San Clemente High School seniors gathered Thursday, June 1 in Thalassa Stadium for a commencement ceremony and to celebrate their graduation as the Class of 2023.
The ceremony began with a musical prelude by the Principal’s Honor Orchestra. The graduates entered to “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, and exited to “Summon the Heroes” composed by John Williams. Both songs were played by the school’s Symphony Orchestra, directed by Music Director Antonio Soto.
Principal Chris Carter welcomed the graduates, their friends and families, and ASB President Mason Ord led the crowd and students in the Pledge of Allegiance. Scholar of Scholars Katie Loo gave the Commencement Address, and Trevor Novak gave the Farewell Address. The graduates were introduced by Rob O’Rear and Marc Popovich, and diplomas were awarded by Board member Lisa Davis, Mayor Chris Duncan, Assistant Superintendent Dave Stewart, and Data and Assessment Administrator Michelle Benham. Principal Carter formally presented the graduates, while Davis provided the Acceptance of the Class of 2023. Senior Class President Sienna Seefeldt led the graduates in the turning of the tassel.
The SCHS Madrigals serenaded the commencement audience with the “Star Spangled Banner” arranged by Joseph Karl, “Remember Me” arranged by Roger Emerson and with a solo by Tess Bojorquez. The Madrigals were led by Vocal Arts Director Alexandra Ustick.
Congratulations, San Clemente High Class of 2023!
See below for photos from the commencement ceremony.
San Clemente High School graduate Carole Mayerhofer shakes hands with school principal Chris Carter after receiving her diploma on stage during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerMembers of San Clemente High School’s Class of 2023 turn their tassels as they are confirmed as official graduates during the conclusion of their graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerMembers of San Clemente High School’s Class of 2023 wave to family members as they file into the school’s stadium for their commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerMembers of San Clemente High School’s Class of 2023 hold hands in a long chain as they file into the school’s stadium for their commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerSan Clemente soon-to-be graduates Megan Mills, left, and Katie Walker stand together during Thursday’s graduation ceremony in the school’s stadium on June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerSan Clemente High School graduate Helene McBeth shakes hands with school principal Chris Carter after receiving her diploma on stage during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerMembers of San Clemente High School’s Class of 2023 wave to family members as they file into the school’s stadium for their commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerOne San Clemente High School graduate gets a last-minute flower lei from his mom as he walks onto the field for Thursday’s graduation ceremony on June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerSan Clemente High School Principal Chris Carter introduces CUSD officials and other dignitaries during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerMembers of San Clemente High School’s Class of 2023 wave to family members as they file into the school’s stadium for their commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerASB President Mason Ord leads the Pledge of Allegiance during the San Clemente High School graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerThe San Clemente High School Madrigals, under the direction of Alexandra Ustick, perform “Star Spangled Banner” during the school graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerScholar of Scholars Kate Loo delivers a Commencement Address during the San Clemente High School graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerMembers of San Clemente High School’s Class of 2023 cover their hearts during the “National Anthem” while participating in their graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerSan Clemente High School Principal Chris Carter welcomes the graduating class of 2023, and their guests, to the school’s annual commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerTrevor Novak delivers a Farewell Address during the San Clemente High School graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerSan Clemente High School graduate Grant Sestak gets a high five from San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan as he receives his diploma on stage during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerMembers of San Clemente High School’s Class of 2023 sit together on the field in the school’s stadium during their graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerSan Clemente High School graduating seniors Brinley Huefner, left, and Zaylie Pothier help each other with their caps as they hang out in the school gym with other soon-to-be-graduates before the start of the graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerSan Clemente High School’s International Baccalaureate students stand together before the start of the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing PhotographerFriends Mason Drumwright, Zack Reilich, Matthew Rudnicki and Myles Drumwright, from left, hang out together in the school gym with other soon-to-be-graduates before the start of the graduation ceremony at San Clemente High School on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
