The Starlight Bowl was awash with Burbank High School blue Friday as the Class of 2012 took to the stage of the hillside amphitheater to accept their diplomas.
For many graduates and their families, the event was laced with emotion.
“It is bittersweet,” said 18-year-old Natasha Nazarian as she lined up with her classmates. “I am sad I am not going to see all these people. I've been with these people for almost 12 years ... but it is exciting because I get to go to college.”
Others among the 625 seniors expressed a bit of trepidation.
“It makes me kind of nervous to know I have to make my own decisions now. I don't have teachers telling me what to do or when things are due,” said 18-year-old Matt Coldwell. “I have to know when to do it myself and be more of a responsible person.”
It was the first graduation under Burbank High School Principal Hani Youssef, who replaced his mentor Bruce Osgood in July 2011 after Osgood announced his move to Village Christian Schools in Sun Valley.