IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers ECSTATIC - Alayna Seward, 18, member of the Class of 2008, shows off her diploma to family and friends during the Royal High School graduation ceremony last Thursday. The graduating seniors of Royal High School walked in pairs as they approached center stage from both sides of the football stadium.

Across the track and past the ivy chains, members of the Class of 2008, wearing green and gold, marched toward their seats to the tune of "Pomp and Circumstance" while family and friends clapped and cheered from the packed bleachers.

LeAnn Buffington, ASB president, led the flag salute and gave a warm welcome to all who had come to witness the graduation ceremony last Thursday evening.

"As much as we've waited for this moment to come, we never actually imagined it would ever arrive," Buffington said. "Thanks to all our parents, friends and mentors for your unconditional love and support."

During this year's Royal commencement ceremony, 571 local students completed their high school careers; 25 were valedictorians with a cumulative grade-point average of 4.0 or above.

Special guests at the ceremony included board of education member Eric Lundstrom, Simi Valley Unified School District Superintendent Kathryn Scroggin and Assistant Superintendent Don Gaudioso.

Students Kayla Pardee and Sara Pulsipher sang a harmonized rendition of the national anthem. Afterwards, senior class officers Alison Sutten and Kelsey Abergel welcomed district guests.

Royal High School Principal Dan Houghton announced the retirement of two longtime faculty members, Judy Stocking and Patti Dalea, who've been teachers at Royal for 17 years and 14 years respectively. Assistant Principal Barbara Hatton, a 32year administrator with the school district, will also retire this year, Houghton said.

In his welcome address Houghton congratulated the class and urged them to continue forward to achieve success.

"Education is a process," Houghton said. "But rise to the challenge and you will achieve things that perhaps you never dreamed were possible. You have the potential; now go and realize it.

"Keep a strong commitment to your passions and goals. Challenge yourself. I have no doubt that each and every one of you will be successful at what you do."

Houghton then introduced the valedictorians, including Michael Gillooly, who played bass trombone in the welcoming ensemble's rendition of "Olympic Fanfare"; Stacy Habroun, a member of the National Honor Society; and Sneha Shah, who served as senior class secretary this year.

In the speech he gave, graduate Kyle McWhirter asked his fellow classmates to keep their "sense of wonderment, passion and joy" alive.

"There's nothing more important than our dreams," McWhirter said. "That's when we see ourselves in our state of ideal happiness and contentment.

"Life is a voyage of discovery. Live the life you imagined, feast on it. Find the things you want to do and do it."