Nearly 600 graduating Antioch High School seniors received their diplomas in front of a capacity crowd of family and friends at Eells Field Stadium Friday night.

"We did it!" exclaimed class President Kylie Harte to open her speech. "I cannot predict what to expect in the future because I'm in the same situation as every graduate out here tonight. Honestly, I only have some idea what to expect next year. I am excited and nervous, as many of you are.

"Up till now we've been able to relax, and our parents or guardians have helped us make every important decision in our lives. Now we will be expected to start making them on our own, and we'll have to live with the consequences. I believe this is how we truly grow up."

Harte recalled the words of Albert Einstein: "Great theorists have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."

Photos by Avi Burk

Greg Watson, front, and members of the Class of 2007 take in the scene at the graduation ceremony.

Although the spotlight was on the graduates on their big night, first-year principal Louie Rocha took a moment to commend the effort and achievement of the students' parents and guardians.

"Thirteen years ago you enrolled your children in kindergarten with a hope that some day they would cross this stage and earn their high school diploma," Rocha said. "Tonight is not just a milestone and celebration for the students - it is also a special night for parents. So tonight I want to salute the students and the parents for a job well done."

School Board President Gary Agopian took the time to recognize another group of people whose tireless efforts played a key role in the success of the Class of 2007.

"As I look outside I realize that behind all of these successful students, there's more than just the parents and the family," Agopian said. "There's an amazing group of people who work tirelessly every day - and that's the group of teachers, administrators and staff of Antioch High School. Let's give it up for these people."

Agopian stressed to the graduates the importance of a positive attitude in achieving their dreams. He noted that regardless of what circumstances life throws at them, a winning attitude would carry them through.

After each graduate's name was announced and all the diplomas were in hand, the class gathered one final time to form the traditional "A" on Eells Field before lofting their caps high into the air and embracing their family and friends.