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For Lodi Academy graduates, it was a moving day

By Deanne Lowenstein
News-Sentinel Staff Writer

Lodi Academy Class of 2003 graduates listen to Ron Carlson as he speaks during the ceremony at the Lodi Academy Auditorium on June 1. (J. Paul Bruton/News-Sentinel)

Even though the Lodi Academy Class of 2003 consists of only 29 students, you wouldn't know it by the size of the crowd and the amount of excitement at the graduation ceremony Sunday.

Decked out in black robes and multi-colored leis, the more than two dozen graduates received their diplomas.

Most of the students were also given awards and scholarships. One presenter even complained to the class, joking that he wished they would have eased up on the talent.

Out of the 29 students, 21 received scholarships from Pacific Union College. One of those students, Morgan Vogel will have her entire tuition paid for.

"I am very excited. It is a total blessing," Vogel said.

Music teacher Robert Tan, who retired this year, gave checks for $100 to two of his students he said simply because they were exceptional pianists.

The relationships between the faculty and the students was evident in affection displayed during the ceremony.

Each graduate received their diploma and a big hug from Tanya Berbawy, school registrar, who then turned the tassels on their caps.

Graduate James Austin got a chuckle out of the crowd when he stood to accept his diploma and revealed a tail underneath his robe.

The mood then turned more serious when Vogel gave her benediction.

"Class of 2003 this is our last prayer together," she said before beginning her prayer.

Principal Samir Berbawy introduced the new senior class before turning to the graduating seniors, referring to them as "the old folks."

Once the sea of family and friends finished taking pictures, the silly string craziness began. Covered in the colorful goo, the Class of 2003 took their final stroll down the gymnasium as Lodi Academy students.

Amid the excitement was a sense of sadness among the graduates.

"We get to move on with our lives, but it is actually really sad," graduate Nathaniel Overby said. "The thing about a small school is that we are like a family. There are only 29 in my class, so graduating is like leaving your family."

Overby is headed to Azusa Pacific University in Southern California to study acting.

Vogel was also filled with mixed emotions about leaving the place and people she spent the last four years with.

"I am excited about the new experiences, but I will miss my classmates," she said.