Clark Graduates Class

By Brandon HENSLEY

The graduation ceremony at Clark Magnet High went off almost without a hitch on Thursday, if you don’t count the young man who was escorted from the pavilion area after he committed the cardinal sin of using an air horn during the conferment of diplomas.

First-year principal Lena Kortoshian, who replaced Doug Dall, said she had many challenges she wanted to tackle this year, and couldn’t have been successful without the help of her staff and community.

The student speakers echoed the same sentiment, one of appreciation for their families, and one another.

“Mom and Dad, thank you for always encouraging me to do my best and for always supporting me in every way possible,” said John Bandek, one of the student “voices” from the Panther Class of 2017, and whose speech was titled “One from Many,” a reference to the slogan on U.S. currency.

To the students, Bandek said, “We collaborated on many projects and created lasting memories. But ultimately, it’s about the individuals we will become.

Clark Magnet’s individuals achieved great success in 2016-17. The school’s robotics team won the Long Beach regional competition and participated in the World Championships in Houston, Texas. Its mock trials team was named to the top eight in L.A. County.

Bahvin Shah, was named co-valedictorian along with Areen Andreasian, was award the National Merit Scholarship.

“All I really have is the willingness to put in the hours and effort to make special things happen,” Shah said. “If there’s any takeaway from my experience, it is that a little preparedness and whole lot of perseverance can change your future.”

Shah also thanked his grandparents, calling them the wind beneath his wings.

“You have worked so hard to provide this life for me, and I won’t let you down,” he said.

Bandek ended his speech by remembering how far he and his classmates have come in four years.

“I don’t want to call you guys twigs, but thank you for being part of this bundle,” he said. “We first met at Clark as strangers but today we leave as treasured friends.”

A fuller story – with more photos – will be in the June 8 issue of CV Weekly.