San Juan Hills graduates turn their tassels during 2023 commencement ceremony
San Juan Hills High School seniors gathered Thursday, June 1 in the school’s stadium for a commencement ceremony and to celebrate their graduation as the Class of 2023.
Speaker Lindsey Gattis shared: “During my time here at San Juan Hills, I have learned a vital life lesson. Whatever you put into something is what you get out of it. The more you invest, the more you get back. As students on this campus, we have been blessed with a multitude of opportunities to grow–not only academically, but as individuals. The Class of 2023 has not only taken advantage of these opportunities, but has turned each experience into an unforgettable memory.”
Lindsey Gattis gives one of the commencement speeches during SJHHS’ commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD Insider
“Fellow members of the Class of Resilience, we were not born into a world where the only issue was a pandemic. Today and tomorrow we face and will continue to face the innumerable challenges of our dysmorphic world. But, if there was anyone to rise to the occasion it is us,” said graduation speaker Jack Sanseverino.
Jack Sanseverino gives one of the commencement speeches during SJHHS’ commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD Insider
“In all seriousness, fellow students, it has been an honor to learn and grow with you, but now is the time for our voices to sing out into new territories. Students, right now, look around. You are very likely surrounded by those who have molded you during your time here: friends, families, teachers, fellow classmates. As the curtains close on this stage of life, I urge you to remember those who have touched your life and to take their impact with you,” said Scholar of Scholars Kent Lau.
Class of 2023, go venture into your passions, your academic pursuits, your career pursuits, your life pursuits, not just for personal fulfillment but also to inspire change in others, making the world a better place,” Lau contined.
Congratulations, San Juan Hills High Class of 2023!
See below for photos from the commencement ceremony.
SJHHS graduates have fun at the podium after the conclusion of San Juan Hills High School’s Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderClassmates of 17-year-old Kennedy Stonum, who died Feb. 2022, gather with a photo of Kennedy at San Juan Hills High School’s graduation ceremony. Her friends had a seat at the ceremony with her photo placed in it symbolizing her attendance. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderFriends gather at the conclusion of SJHHS’ graduation ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High graduates walk up to get their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSJHHS graduates smile after after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High graduates shake hands with Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSJHHS graduates smile after after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High graduates shake hands with Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSJHHS graduates smile after after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High graduates shake hands with Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High graduates shake hands with Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High graduates shake hands with Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderA graduate shares a hug with a teacher during SJHHS’ commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderA SJHHS graduate celebrates after after receiving her diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High graduates shake hands with Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High graduates shake hands with Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderA graduate shares a hug with a fellow chassmate during SJHHS’ commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High graduates shake hands with Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High graduates shake hands with Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar after receiving their diploma during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSJHHS Commencement Speaker Lindsey Gattis gives Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar a friendly bump as she takes the stage for her speech. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderKent Lau gives one of the commencement speeches during SJHHS’ commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSJHHS Principal Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar welcomes everyone to the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderThe SJHHS Chamber Choir performs during the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSJHHS students stand for the National Anthem at the start of the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSJHHS students stand for the National Anthem at the start of the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSJHHS students at the start of San Juan Hills High School’s Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSJHHS students stand for the National Anthem at the start of the school’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderGabriella Zuniga sings the National Anthem at the start of the SJHHS 2023 commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderKent Lau, center, and Senior Class President Lillie Ransom, right, during SJHHS’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High School Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderGetting ready to start the San Juan Hills High School Class of 2023 commencement ceremony, from left, Michael Villar, Dana Point City Councilman; John Campbell, San Juan Capistrano City Councilman; Michael Parham, Vice President, Board of Trustees; Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar, SJHHS Principal; Stephanie Avera, Chief Technology Officer; and Jennifer Smalley, Assistant Superintendent. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSan Juan Hills High School Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSJHHS students enter the stadium at the start of San Juan Hills High School’s Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderSJHHS students enter the stadium at the start of San Juan Hills High School’s Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD InsiderA SJHHS student proudly wears the symbols of the American flag, Mexican flag, and the U.S. Army over his graduation outfit as he enters the stadium for the start of San Juan Hills High School’s Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/CUSD Insider
