News Summary
Fountain Valley High School achieved a historic milestone at its commencement ceremony, graduating its largest class of 796 students at Orange Coast College’s LeBard Stadium. The ceremony included musical performances, heartfelt speeches, and recognition of outstanding graduates. Principal Paul Lopez emphasized the value of friendships and resilience gained during high school, while student leaders encouraged their peers to reflect on their growth. This event symbolizes not just an end but the beginning of new adventures for the graduates and reflects the ongoing success within the Huntington Beach Union High School District.
Fountain Valley – Fountain Valley High School made history on Wednesday as it celebrated its largest graduating class to date during its commencement ceremony held at Orange Coast College’s LeBard Stadium. A total of 796 students received their diplomas, marking a significant achievement for the school and the Huntington Beach Union High School District.
The commencement began with a musical performance by the Fountain Valley Royal Regiment band, which set the celebratory tone for the occasion. Graduates walked in to a medley of familiar tunes as their journey of academic accomplishment reached its conclusion.
Principal Paul Lopez addressed the audience and graduates with a heartfelt message, emphasizing the importance of remembering the lessons learned, friendships formed, and resilience developed throughout their years in high school. He acknowledged that high school is a foundational period where students not only acquire knowledge but also grow as individuals, preparing them for the future.
Among the distinguished graduates, some were highlighted for their exceptional achievements. Uy Pham, who has been admitted to Harvard University, and Jacqueline Nguyen, who will continue her education at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), were recognized for their academic prowess. Their accomplishments serve as examples of the high level of ambition and talent present within the graduating class.
Kayla Nguyen, the Associated Student Body (ASB) president, took the stage to encourage her fellow graduates to reflect on their journey beyond the accolades and positions held during their high school years. She urged them to consider who they have become as individuals and how they will carry those experiences into their future endeavors, stepping away from merely being sports captains or club presidents to embracing their true identities.
The ceremony also featured a performance of the national anthem by Lily Ogle, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the assembly. The historic event was characterized by moments of pride, joy, and reflection, as graduates and their families came together to commemorate this significant milestone in their lives.
Following the anthemic performance, graduates Hannah Querry and Avery Thepsisombath led their peers in reciting the school’s alma mater, encapsulating a spirit of unity among the graduating class. This tradition connected the students to their school’s legacy, celebrating not only their individual journeys but also their time as a part of the Fountain Valley High School community.
This year’s graduation ceremony encapsulated the essence of growth and achievement for the students, as well as the continued support of teachers, family, and friends who played vital roles throughout their academic careers. The ceremony marked not just an end but a commencement of new adventures and opportunities that await the graduates as they transition into the next phase of their lives.
Fountain Valley High School’s record-setting graduation of 796 students exemplifies the growth and success within the Huntington Beach Union High School District. As these young adults step into the future, they carry with them the lessons learned and the experiences shared during their time at high school, poised to make their mark in the world.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Fountain Valley High Seniors Sent Off
- Wikipedia: Fountain Valley, California
- Los Angeles Times: Valley Vista Graduates Enjoying the View
- Google Search: Fountain Valley High School Graduation
- Gazette: Fountain Valley School 2024 Graduation Ceremony
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation
- ABC7: Fountain Valley High School Senior Sydney Gill’s Classmates
- Google News: Fountain Valley High School News

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