Graduating with a sense of humor

Jennifer Kho

COSTA MESA -- Loud bursts of pride marked the lineup as the Costa Mesa

High School class of 2001 prepared to walk to their graduation seats

Thursday.

“We’re the coolest class,” graduate Michael Tompkins said, drawing

exclamations from classmates within earshot.

Jamese Reese, another graduate, agreed.

“I think we’re the funniest class,” she said. “We’re the comedians.”

“We’re the true first class of the millennium,” Brandon Nolte

said.Teachers said a fun personality and a willingness to work hard

defined the class.

“There is lots of personality, lots of character,” said John Carney,

head of the physical education department. “The kids are very grown up

and really handle themselves well. I think they are going to go on and be

successful. They are a really fun class, and I think a lot of teachers

are really happy with them.”

Bob Shupp, an English teacher who taught many of the graduates when

they were juniors, said he expects success from the class.

“So many of them did not mind working and, more importantly, they

seemed to invest in their school, in their classes and in each other,” he

said. “These are some really nice, well-rounded kids who should do really

well in whatever they choose to do.”

Of the 291 Costa Mesa High School graduates, 56 graduated with honors,

and Carney said many of the graduates planned to go to four-year colleges

all around the country.

Amber Williams, who is leaving for military camp in two months, said

graduating was scary and bittersweet for her.

“This is my last goodbye to everybody,” she said. “Some people are

going to Orange Coast College and will still see each other, while I’m

going to be getting my butt kicked in North Carolina.”

Many graduates said they were excited to begin the next phase of their

lives but would miss the friends they had at the school.

“This is the beginning of my life right here,” said Chad Gordon, a

graduate. “We’re the future leaders of the world right here. I grew up

with a lot of these kids, and now I’m seeing them graduate. I’m sad to

see this go, but happy to see my future come.”

Amanda Swarts said she’ll always remember the class’ camaraderie.

“Having time to spend with this whole class through four years of high

school is what I’ll remember most,” she said. “I’m looking forward to

going to college and starting that chapter of my life, but I love this

class. I love them all. The people in this class are so different, but we

all get along. We’re all so unique, and we all have our own place.”

A full crowd of relatives and friends was on hand to watch the

ceremony.

Wendy Sorce, a Fountain Valley resident, said she was there to support

her niece.

“This just marks an important moment in her life,” she said. “This

will help her take the next steps in her future. We love her, and we’re

proud of her.”