July 6, 2007

Seniors move on...

Branham graduates 301 students

By Carol Rosen
Editor

Pomp and Circumstance, throwing caps in the air, beach balls and long speeches are the stuff that graduations are made of. But it’s also exciting to hold the diploma in one’s hand, which signifies the steps toward the future.

On to new things: The graduating seniors march onto the field June 14, entering through bowers of flowers held by students from the class of 2008.

Graduation may be bittersweet but it’s also one of the most exciting days of everyone’s life. It’s a time to say good-bye to childhood, and possibly to friends and family, and say hello to the future, whether that brings more schooling or a money-paying job.

The 301 graduating seniors from Branham High School were led to their matriculation by Principal Tom Utic on June 14. Entering through bowers of flowers held by students from the class of 2008, the students made their way to the bleachers to spend their last two hours as high school seniors.

As usual, the ceremony was beautiful and contained both laughter and tears. Music and speeches filled the afternoon.

“These students have done a good job on the program of improvement. They were a part of the reason Branham High School received the Distinguished School award this year,” said Utic. “In general, our students are a reflection of our community. These seniors achieved high levels, they took school and their courses more seriously and I’m very proud of what they have done. Every class has its own personality, and this one is very mature,” he added.

Valedictorians Leah Karlins and Ali Mozayan step up to the podium.

The graduation ceremony began with Pomp and Circumstance played by the school’s symphonic band followed by the school’s color guard leading the flag salute. Student body co-presidents Morgan Crossland and Robert Flores welcomed students, parents, teachers, administration and friends to their graduation. Senior class President Martha Ketema presented the class gift. Teacher of the year Nancy Freschi and John Salberg presented the diplomas and Utic certified the class.

Three of those students were named to the highest academic honors. Leah Karlins and Ali Mozayan were the 2007 valedictorians and Jarrod Hatakeyama, who will attend UCLA, was the salutatorian.

Karlins, whose speech was about heroes, is a well-rounded student, said Utic. Besides succeeding academically, she has a record of achievement and service to her school and community. She also has earned numerous other awards and scholarships.

Karlins, who will attend Stanford University next fall, ranked at the top of her class and has earned this recognition by pursuing a rigorous course of study throughout her four years at the school. She has been recognized as an
Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor, having earned top scores on four different AP exams. Her success stems from her drive, work ethic and maturity, as well as from her positive approach to learning. She is appreciated by her teachers because of her intellectual curiosity and true passion for learning.

Karlins addresses the crowd.

Karlins is a National Merit Scholar, who received the Achievement Award from Bank of America – Silicon Valley in Liberal Arts and took first place in the Campbell/ San Jose West 2007 Rotary Club Student Speech Contest. Notable marks on her academic record at Branham include her work with journalism and in Spanish.

She worked as a writer and editor for Branham’s school newspaper, and served as a staff writer for the San Jose Mercury News’ teen page “Read This.” She achieved an exceptional level of expertise with Spanish, and participated in a service project in Mexico last summer. She also has been named the Campbell Union High School District student highlighted in San José Magazine.

Karlins also spent time working for the community through the school’s Key Club and in the National Honor Society. She also took time to work on book and blood drives and peer tutoring. She served for three years as a student representative to the school site council and took time for sports playing volleyball and being named Junior Varsity All-League in her sophomore year.

Mozayan, whose valedictory speech was on lessons learned, plans to attend the University of Texas this fall. Like Karlins, he was a straight-A student throughout his four years and his class load included seven advanced placement courses. One of those challenges was to take community college courses to enhance his academic endeavors and to prepare him for the college experience. His academic success stems from strong personal characteristics such as intelligence, motivation and a strong work ethic, along with an ability to balance many demands without undue stress.

An inquisitive student, Mozayan has a calm, assuring demeanor and participates in the classroom and contributes toward creating a positive and challenging classroom environment. Utic notes the young man shows maturity and a positive temperament.

“While he mixes well with his teenage peers, he carries himself with an ease and presence that suggests wisdom beyond his years. He portrays the soft-spoken confidence of a truly well rounded individual who maintains a healthy balance in life,” Utic said.

Mozayan won a $5,000 scholarship for his senior science project as well as a full scholarship to the University of Texas.