Lakeside Lancer Graduates Walk Into The Future

Prerecorded farewell messages from graduating students boomed over The Diamond Stadium loudspeakers as hundreds of Lake Elsinore and Wildomar community members assembled in long lines eagerly awaiting entry into the Lakeside High School graduation ceremony Wednesday night.

Four-hundred-thirty-five graduating stars of the show, the Class of 2011, readied for their commencement walk into the future. As they assembled, they managed their excitement by joking around with one another and in checking and rechecking their gowns, robes and corsages.

Although apprehensive about the moment, many of the graduates had been on a solid track throughout their high school careers. 

Three of the 18 Lancer valedictorians -- Jamison Pollock, Ivan Guzman and Roberto Guzman -- have been AVID members throughout high school and have solid plans to attend college.

“I currently play varsity basketball and football and I plan to attend the University of California at Riverside," Pollock said.

Ivan plans to attend the University of California at Los Angeles to study microbiology and genetics, and his brother Roberto will be attending Stanford to study marine biology and would like to intern at Sea World someday.

“We all say we will wind up working for the Guzman brothers one day," joked Lakeside Counselor Sonia Guzman.

Lakeside High Principal Jason Moscowitz welcomed his graduating seniors, Lakeside staff, and friends and family.

“Staff at Lakeside, please stand,” he requested during the ceremony. “Please, give them a round of applause."

Following valedictorian messages from Rachel Johnson, Robert Lopez and Maarouf Saad, Principal Moscowitz returned to the microphone, conferring honors to his students.

“I am overcome with joy at how amazing the Lakeside graduating class is. It is one of the best in Riverside County, no longer the new kid on the block.

"They are the most decorated class in the history of Lakeside High – I dare anyone around to challenge the hearts of these Lancers sitting here in caps and gowns," he continued. "Let the good times roll!”

Earlier Wednesday, Lake Elsinore Unified School District's alternative high schools had graduation ceremonies at Ortega Continuation High School.

Temescal Canyon and Elsinore high schools have graduation ceremonies today at The Diamond at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.