Liberty's Performing Arts Center was filled nearly to capacity as family members and friends packed the auditorium to watch La Paloma High School's 17 graduates cross the stage to receive their diplomas.

As the "Pomp and Circumstance" processional echoed through the room, two by two the graduates emerged from behind the crowd and strode down the aisle to take their rightful place on stage.

"I am both honored and proud to preside over this ceremony celebrating the accomplishment of the graduating class of 2006," said Principal Larry Rodriguez.

He told the crowd that in the past 18 months since taking over as La Paloma's principal he has found the experience to be both gratifying and rewarding. "The students have taught me through their hard work and determination that anything is possible."

Then, addressing the graduates, Rodriguez said, "Tonight ends a small part of your journey through life. You all started high school as young teens and leave today as young men and women. After today you are set free, into the next phase of your lives. I wish you well!"

Student speaker Tricinda Glasper also spoke to her fellow graduates about their accomplishment and their future.

"As we approach this new era in our life as graduates and adults, it's important to remember that life is a series of new beginnings," Glasper told them. "Life is not necessarily what you want of it, but what you make of it. So my advice to my fellow graduates of 2006 is to reach for the stars and go beyond your own expectations."

Congratulations to the following La Paloma High School Class of 2006 graduates: Jennifer Brooks, Cory James, Joshua Burmann, Richard Kite, Cody Cannon, Robert Mirto, Raymond Cornejo, Edward Montalvo, Melvin Davis, Nicholas O'Brien, Arnel Dayco, Michael Poe, Joel Fernandez, Suzanna Rodriguez, Tricinda Glasper, Pablo Sandoval and Linda Solis.

Also awarded during the ceremony were the following scholarships and their recipients: Brentwood Lions Club: Melvin Davis, Edward Montalvo, Michael Poe and Jennifer Brooks; Rotary Club: Joshua Burman, Melvin Davis, Jennifer Brooks and Michael Poe; Brentwood Women's Club: Tricinda Glasper; Clifford Pierce; Memorial Scholarship: Jennifer Brooks, Melvin Davis, Joshua Burmann, Cody Cannon and Raymond Cornejo; Delta Informal Gardeners: Raymond Cornejo; Gerald Hardt Scholarship: Linda Solis; Kenneth Forlow Memorial Scholarship: Arnel Dayco, Richard Kite, Joel Fernandez, Tricinda Glasper and Cory James; Liberty Education Association: Linda Solis; LUSHD Education Foundation: Tricinda Glasper; Rose Pierce Memorial Scholarship: Robert Mirto, Edward Montalvo, Nicholas O'Brien, Michael Poe, Suzanna Rodriguez, Linda Solis and Pablo Sandoval; and Soroptimist of the Delta: Jennifer Brooks.