By Brandon HENSLEY

The graduation ceremony at Clark Magnet High on Thursday went off almost without a hitch, 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 faced many challenges she wanted to tackle this year, and couldn’t have been successful without the help of her staff and community.

“I learned the power of perseverance,” she said.

The student speakers in the late afternoon sun echoed the same sentiment, one of appreciation for their families, and of 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 his peers, Bandek said, “We collaborated on many projects and created lasting memories. But ultimately, it’s about the individuals we will become.”

Clark Magnet 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 trial team was named to the top eight in L.A. County.

Bahvin Shah, named co-valedictorian along with Areen Andreasian, was awarded 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 promised.

Kortoshian told her graduates that they cannot learn from success, only from the “scars and mistakes and failures” and that learning from mistakes will help them overcome other obstacles they may encounter. She said Clark’s staff has given them the tools to do so, and that they should aim high in life.

“The teachers have been your guides and source of inspiration over the past four years,” Kortoshian said. “They have taught you to be exceptional and push the envelope, be creative and think outside of the box … I wish for each of you brighter opportunities in the future and you achieve success in all of them. Congratulations on your graduation. May you lead a proud life.”

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.”

  Brandon Hensley