With instructions to flip their tassel and become official graduates of Mira Costa High School, the Class of 2014 tossed their caps into the air, faces beaming, energy flowing as shouts of exuberance and faces of joy commemorated the occasion.

As friends and family spilled onto the field at Waller Stadium Thursday night to find their special graduate after the ceremony, the 576 former high school students congratulated each other, hugged and smiled as cameras snapped.

Senior Class President Kai Frank led classmates through the ceremony. Seniors Asia White, Matt Stern and Lia Sepanek delivered speeches as did Kai.

Mira Costa Principal Ben Dale gave introductions and a welcome, and Manhattan Beach Unified School Board President Karen Komatinsky delivered remarks. Board members Ellen Rosenberg, Christine Cronin-Hurst, Bill Fournell, Jennifer Cochran and Komatinsky assisted in the diploma presentation.