By Raiza Giorgi and Kyah Corff

Photos by Daniel Dreifuss

Every high schooler waits for that one special day where they get to throw their coveted graduation caps high into the air and celebrate the end of their high school career. The feeling of accomplishing their childhood and the realization that life is about to take them on a new adventure.

For senior Angel Valdez Ordonez, he wasn’t sure if he would make it to graduation as his father passed away from an illness just before school started last fall.

“I was devastated and not sure how I would make it since my dad was my rock. I was grateful that I had music to fall back on to help me through my grieving process,” Angel said several weeks before graduation.

Angel was applauded as he made his commencement speech and looks forward to joining his older brother at Cal Berkley next fall with a full scholarship and hopes to study immigration law.

“My brother and I are really close and I am glad to be near him. I have been visiting since he started school and I feel like it’s home already. I am excited to see what living in a bigger city will be like,” he laughed.

“I’m very excited to finally complete my high school career but I am also sad to go because of the great relationships I made,” stated graduate Olivia Horvath.

Principal Mark Swanitz opened the graduation ceremony. He explained that despite a world of clashing ideologies and a divisive political backdrop, the Class of 2018 stood united and capable of securing their futures. In a world in turmoil, being successful no longer depended on the knowledge you gained in classrooms but depended on curiosity, collaboration, and a unquenchable thirst for knowledge advised Swanitz.

Commencement speakers- Hannah Ezell, Angel Valdez Ordonez, and Clay Hutchinson- represented their graduating class. Their speeches acknowledged the fear of leaving the nest for a life of uncertainty but explained the importance of overcoming challenges in order to attain success.

“Become today, the person you wish to be tomorrow,” concluded Clay Hutchinson, Senior Class President, in his inspirational commencement speech.

The graduating Class of 2018 was full of hard workers and passionate leaders with 55 seniors graduating with GPAs of 4.0 and over. The graduation was shorter than last year’s despite being a larger class. As decorated caps flew through the air, the graduates drew a breath and smiled upon an uncertain future while Daryl Hall & John Oates’ song “You Make My Dreams Come True” blared on the speakers.

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“During his time here, Cameron took our faltering music program from 25 students to more than 125. In doing so, he has created a truly first-class music program at the high school,” Principal Mark Swanitz said.

By Raiza Giorgi

Leaving the music program that he spent 11 years building up was the hardest decision for Cameron Clarno as he wrapped up the school year at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.

Clarno has accepted a position as full-time music director for Foothill High School in Redding, where he will oversee programs in a district that includes three high schools of more than 2,000 students at each.

“There have been many tears shed recently as I end my time here in the valley, and I feel beyond blessed of what all my students have accomplished throughout the years. I will come back a lot, as our family lives here in the Central Coast, and will be checking in on the program here,” he said.

“During his time here, Cameron took our faltering music program from 25 students to more than 125. In doing so, he has created a truly first-class music program at the high school,” Principal Mark Swantiz said.

Clarno’s passion for music started early as his mother was in a women’s choir and he sang in his church choir and took band in elementary school while growing up in the Thousand Oaks area.

“Music has been in every culture since the beginning of time, and it’s a universal language that can bring people together, and convey expression when there are no words,” he said.

When Clarno got his first teaching job after graduating from Cal State Northridge, he was a music teacher at an elementary school in Santa Clarita, but his wife Lindsey grew up on the Central Coast and they wanted to be closer to family so he started at SYVUHS in the 2006-07 school year. His position has been part-time, and he also has been teaching music for the Buellton School District and Ballard School District.

“Some of the kids I’ve taught, I had them in elementary school and have literally guided them through the whole way. Not many teachers can say that, and I think it’s one of the things I’m most proud of,” he said.

Clarno added that through music his students learn a lot about themselves and about teamwork because they have to coordinate efforts to make music sound beautiful.

“Some of my favorite events have been our small hometown parades, playing music for our veterans at various functions like Memorial Day and Veterans Day,” Clarno said.

He credits a lot of success for the high school band to his wife, Lindsey, who had a background in instrumental music and marching band that helped students with their lines and parade technique.

“She has been the behind the scenes tour coordinator, and the kids and their parents know how hard she’s worked, but the public hasn’t and I want to give her a special thank you,” he said.

One of the highlight’s of Cameron Clarno’s time as SYHS music teacher was taking his students to perform at the Vatican.

Taking the music students on various field trips and opportunities to play in historical venues such Carnegie Hall and performing at the Vatican were highlights of his career, Clarno added.

“These are experiences they will never forget … music can take you to places so incredible … so rewarding,” Clarno said.

“The band and choir programs regularly take home top honors and prestigious music festivals. They have even gone on world a world tour, representing the United States at the World Fair in Milan, Italy, and singing evening Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. Needless to say, Cameron will be missed tremendously. His replacement will have some very big shoes to fill,” Swantiz added.

“Mr. Clarno has been an outstanding music teacher for our students, significantly growing the program during his tenure at SYHS, handling everything from choir to band to marching band. He is already missed,” added District Superintendent Scott Cory.

As Clarno prepares to make his move to northern California, he will be helping select his replacement at the high school. He said he will make every effort to find someone as passionate about music as he is.

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