Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach graduated 573* students at its commencement ceremony on Thursday.

(*Editor's note: That number has been updated to 573 since we created the story and shared the URL.)

At the ceremony, Mira Costa Principal Karina Gerger told students to keep an open mind and to remember the "ABC's" (attitude, balance, and character) and "1-2-3's" (one body; two eyes and two ears; and the past, present, and future) that they learned during their time in school.

"By continuing to focus on having a positive attitude, achieving balance, and exhibiting good character, you will open the doors to incredible opportunities and experience a richer fuller life," said Gerger. "Take care of your one body, and use your two eyes and two ears to see and hear the world around you. The past is gone, the present is now, and the future is yours."

Mira Costa does not have valedictorians or salutatorians. However, it acknowledges Magna Cum Laude (grade point average of 3.8-3.99) and Summa Cum Laude (GPA of 4.0+) graduates with specific designation in the commencement program. More than two-thirds of Mira Costa's Class of 2023 boasted those honors, with 90 Magna Cum Laude students and 209 Summa Cum Laude students.

Speakers Call for Humor, Compassion, Perseverance

Senior Class President Tyler Tang recalled the challenges that the Class of 2023 has faced, including going through the pandemic, which started just before the end of the group's freshman year. Tang urged the class to approach life with a sense of humor. "Let's embrace the absurdity," he said.

Roi Clinton challenged his classmates not to let the judgment of others eclipse each person's uniqueness. "We are a class of entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives and geniuses," he said. "Yes, we are bruised, yes we are damaged, but Mira Costa has equipped us with the tools to take on adversity and find the light in dark situations... We have overcome these challenges and learned that we don't need other people's validation to shine."

Christopher Layden noted that Mira Costa classmates tended to push each other while also supporting each other. "I hope that my fellow graduates continue on their journey not only with their minds open, but with their fists raised - because I know that this class is more prepared than ever to fight whatever challenges lie ahead of them," he said.

Heather Roth closed out the student speakers by urging classmates to "approach every situation in life with empathy. Wherever and whenever you can, be the person that spreads the love," she said.

The full video of the graduation ceremony can be seen here.

Sunset Stroll Followed Ceremony

The Sunset Stroll on the Strand - a tradition started during the pandemic - followed the ceremony. Graduates marched from Hermosa Beach to the Manhattan Beach Pier, with family members and friends lining the Strand to cheer them along.

Once they reached the pier, students filed down onto the sand where they gathered for a group picture and for one last toss of their graduation caps.

 

Students Headed Across the Country

The Class of 2023 is off to colleges and universities in 39 different states, along with Canada, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. 

The most popular destination for students this year is El Camino Community College, with 60 students planning to study there. 

The most popular four-year destination this year is surprisingly not in California: it's the University of Colorado, Boulder, with 26 students headed there.

The second-most popular spot is Cal (UC Berkeley) with 21 students.