June 21, 2007

Exceptional class

Leland, Pioneer seniors take the stage

Graduate Pierre Woods poses for the camera after the graduation ceremony at the Rose Garden in San Jose on June 13. Photo by Dan Miranda

Excitement filled the air as students from Leland and Pioneer high schools took the stage in caps and gowns to accept their diplomas last week at their graduation ceremonies, which were both held in San Jose’s scenic Rose Garden.

Pioneer High School celebrated the graduation of 336 seniors on June 13.

“I know this class well,” said Principal Sandy Engel, “since many were at Castillero when I was principal. They are an all-around great group of students, very friendly and interested in keeping the atmosphere at Pioneer a friendly, open one. Their senior gift is representative of this interest, a large rock in front of the school—that has already been painted Leland '07!

“They are well-informed students and interested in others. This class is the most willing to serve other people and fulfill the needs of our school, with a desire to serve the community around them from Adopt-a-Family to senior citizens, always ready to volunteer on site for any project needed with energy and a smile.”

Two valedictorians graced the stage: Noah La Moyne, who will be attending UCLA in the fall, and Kenneth Earl, who will be attending UC Davis in the fall.

The 2007 Leland valedictorians, from left: Akshay Rao, Amy Qian, Erica Francis Pollock, Alexandra J. Logue, Esther Joy Lee, Jeffrey B. Ho, Jim Gao, Melissa Sue Erickson, Janice Wai-Tung Chow, Lucy D. Chen, and Ryan Taylor Cena.

Leland High School celebrated the graduation of 436 seniors on June 14. “The class of 2007 has broken all Leland records: 96 percent with college acceptance right now, 608 awards and scholarships totaling $2,477,000,” said proud Principal Bob Setterlund.

Eleven valedictorians graced the stage: Ryan Cena, who will attend UC San Diego; Lucy Chen, who will attend Harvard; Janice Chow, who will attend UCLA; Melissa Erickson, who will attend UCLA; Jim Gao, who will attend UC Berkeley; Jeffrey Ho, who will attend U. Penn; Esther Lee, who will attend Duke; Alexandra Logue, who will attend UC Davis; Erica Pollock, who will attend Northwestern; Amy Qian, who will attend MIT; and Akshay Rao, who will attend UC Berkeley.

—By Julie Davis Berry

	Leland senior Tarah Knaresboro had the crowd laughing during her commencement speech on the benefits of being a geek.
Senior class president Grace Chang gives her opening remarks. Leland photos by Mark Page
Principal Bob Setterlund shakes the hand of a graduate while handing over his diploma.	Commencement Speaker Sara Adams

		Pioneer High School graduating senior Matt Montelongo receives a hug from his aunt Emily after their graduation ceremony at the Rose Garden in San Jose on June 13.
Pioneer graduate Chris Lee displays the balloons and flowers he receives from family and friends after the graduation ceremony.	A Pioneer graduating senior receives a hug from his girlfriend after the graduation ceremony at the Rose Garden.