This year’s graduates at John H. Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley began their high school journey in the isolation of COVID-19, but finished on Tuesday, June 5, as a loud and proud community.
More than 500 seniors proudly walked across the graduation stage wearing vibrant blue and gold robes that matched the bright sky and dazzling sun. These LAUSD students triumphed after semesters of distance learning and, for some, months of watching loved ones battle sickness, which is why the school aptly named this year’s graduating class “the dreamers.”
“Here at Poly we strive to provide a safe space for them all to explore their potential and grow stronger and more confident to take on the world after graduation,” said Principal Rich Walter in his graduation speech. “I feel good knowing that this generation is well-prepared and ready to become our leaders and take this nation and the world to a better tomorrow.”
In line with tradition, students walked in to the jubilant and nostalgic notes of Sir Edgar Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” while tears of pride streamed down the cheeks of many parents. Graduates artfully customized their caps with words of encouragement, thanks and excitement for the opportunities that lay ahead, including one cap that read “Next stop UCLA.”
Principal Walter also acknowledged the achievements of the graduating seniors, 135 of whom received a bi-literacy award for being able to speak two or more languages fluently and ten of whom received college scholarships of up to $40,000 each from 1969 Poly graduate Jerry Kline, an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
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