By KATHERINE ROSENBERG
Editor
LUCERNE VALLEY — Walking into the gym at the Lucerne Valley High School on graduation night, the scoreboard showed that the “game” was at 20 to 08.
The clear message of “2008” was just one more special and moving homage to the graduating class as they embark on a new set of challenges, while celebrating what they’ve already accomplished.
And, in staying true to the “rockin’” graduates, the ceremony itself was pumped full of excitement, as students Mark French and Jared Nefferdorf wowed the crowd with a drum and electric guitar rendition of the National Anthem, which received thunderous applause.
Principal Fanz Halamicek then acknowledged all in attendance, including past and present faculty and administrators as well as the Board of Trustees.
Shortly after, it was on to the presentation of Salutatorian and Valedictorian, and Nathan Espinoza and Anthony Rodriguez, respectively, shared some words of wisdom with their fellow graduates.
“We’re filled with mixed emotions for the years to come ... excitement, fear or anticipation,” Espinoza said. “You must not let these emotions keep you from accomplishing your goals.”
He further encouraged his classmates to “run full force into (their) goals,” because, “the world will not wait on you.”
Rodriguez took the stage with an air of reflection on what he, and his fellow graduates, have achieved during their time in high school.
“It’s been such a good year — the best year I’ve ever had,” Rodriguez said. “It’s hard to see it end.”
He moved on with more words of encouragement, asking that his peers take seriously their future, and their ability to accomplish their dreams.
“It is time to press forward and do what we were meant to do. It’s time to make a difference, it’s our time to shine, we are the future,” Rodriguez said.
As each student was awarded their diploma, parents doted, teachers sighed, families cheered and the grads themselves beamed with pride, having overcome the first of life’s many large obstacles.
As caps (and silly string) flew, the graduating class made their exit, to the tune of Queen’s “We are the Champions,” and one thing was clear: Everyone in attendance knew the score; the “game” has only begun for these grads.
As Espinoza put it, “what lies before us and what lies around us is no comparison to what lies within us.”

Katherine Rosenberg can be reached at 248-7878 or by e-mail at krosenberg@vvdailypress.com.