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Schools

Elsinore High School Graduates Its 118th Class

Hundreds of family and friends cheered as Principal Jon Hurst welcomed his seniors to the 118th graduation ceremony for Elsinore High School.

The Diamond Stadium field was a sea of red and white as 450 Elsinore High School seniors walked for their diplomas Thursday night.

Hundreds of family and friends cheered as Principal Jon Hurst welcomed his seniors to the 118th graduation ceremony for Elsinore High School.

“You are the best. Thank you for all you have done for EHS,” he said. “You are all special and I will miss you. I wish you all the luck and Godspeed as you carry on your journey. I just want to say, ‘I love you.’”

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Hurst, who in March was named California Principal of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators, wasn’t the only Tiger wearing his emotions on his sleeve Thursday.

Valedictorian Oscar Sandoval said, “It is hard to put in words, I’m speechless and it’s nice to be able to receive recognition with my peers. We are all capable of greatness, more than you can imagine.”

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Sandoval, one of 16 Elsinore valedictorians, offered this advice to his classmates: “Remember no matter what the circumstances, we will always be Tigers at heart."

Addressing her classmates, valedictorian Tabitha Brewer said, “Go do, and be you’re very best. Do or do not, there is no ‘try.’”

Elsinore -- the only Lake Elsinore Unified high school located in Wildomar -- has a long history, so there was some ceremonial tradition during Thursday’s event.

For example, graduating senior Matt Burkett performed “Pomp and Circumstance” on the bagpipes for his classmates. 

“We have never done this before so it is a special part of the ceremony,” said District Board Member Jeanie Corral.

And if history is any indication, some of 2011’s Tigers will return to their high school: Several of the Elsinore High teachers in attendance Thursday graduated from the same alma mater.

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