The class of 2017 initiated their day with overwhelming emotions of excitement as they anticipated their families and friends arriving inside of the Chapel for their Baccalaureate program, where speeches were given. Soon after, guests were treated to drinks and snacks prior to commencement that began at noon.
The commencement ceremony began with high school graduates marching proudly in two-single file lines that were lead behind Headmaster, Mr. Kenneth R. Veronda to present the 2017 graduation plaque, pose for pictures, then sit down in the Southwestern Amphitheatre.
Awards were presented and given by members of the Board of Trustees and Teachers. High school graduates gave genuine speeches about their personal and educational journeys while they attended Southwestern. The junior high class was promoted to high school by the “Tradition of the Axe.” The hand axe was used by the school’s pioneers to make the first ceremonial cuts in the orange trees that once filled the campus. It was taken by the first 9th grade class to pass along to 8th grade graduates every June.
An outdoor luncheon was served and appreciated by the guests, students and faculty. The graduating Class of 2017 will be continuing their education in colleges and universities such as Boston University, University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount University, University of San Francisco and Cal Poly Pomona, to name a few.
