LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Class of 2011 Graduates from Campolindo


Photo Kevin Goto

It was a nice and sunny afternoon on Friday, June 10th, when Campolindo High School's Class of 2011 proceeded to the football field for the graduation ceremony. Principal Carol Kitchens took pride when mentioning in her welcoming speech some of the many accomplishments these 340 students have achieved. "As one of the largest classes Campolindo has had in years, among these students we have 35 Commended National Merit Scholars and of those 10 Finalists. We have ten League Championships, five North Coast Championships and two State Championships. In the Performing Arts, these seniors thrived with numerous instrumental concerts here at Campolindo and in Beijing, China. We had eight great musical performances of Fiddler on the Roof and two successful plays, Romeo and Juliet and Laramie Project."

Kitchens further pointed out that 80% of these Campo graduates will move on to four year colleges and 17% will attend two year colleges in the fall. So it was no surprise that in his senior address, Erik Svedberg presented his fellow classmates as an exceptional class with the ability to succeed, while Cynthia Meng in her address also acknowledged their sass, class, and surpass. It was a proud moment for teachers and all the parents when the students were each called by name to receive their diplomas. Excitement and happiness were in the air when 340 hats were finally tossed way up into the sky.

What followed this ceremony was a Grad Night beyond expectations. A team of highly motivated and very talented parents, led by Chairs Lisa Monroe and Margo Isaacs, had been working tirelessly for the past twelve months up to the very last day to give these seniors a fantastic night of fun and memories. This year's theme was The Wizard of Oz and they created a world somewhere over the rainbow where dreams really do come true, with a perfect Munchkin Land and a stunning Emerald City.

With the combined efforts of community, sponsors, teachers and lots of dedicated parent volunteers, the stakes were set high for years to come at Campolindo. "It takes a village..." says Lisa Monroe, "and it doesn't get much better than seeing close to 300 smiling teenage faces having the time of their lives!"