'Go Be Great': 117 Malibu High School Seniors Move Their Tassels

MALIBU, CA — Malibu High School's 27th graduating class accepted diplomas Wednesday after spending only one full year of their high school careers on campus.

The 117 students celebrated their accomplishment to the tune of their classmates' music and speeches from student leaders, a teacher and Principal Patrick Miller.

The crowd went wild for an impassioned electric guitar solo from senior Cameron Nino and a comical speech from seniors Justin Higginbotham and Noah Redclay.

Many speakers noted the class of 2022's resilience and adaptability given the class had been on campus only for one complete school year. Early in the their freshman year, the class was disrupted by the Woolsey Fire, followed by COVID-19 pandemic school closures. Many students, including student speaker Nicole Reynaga, lost their homes in the Woolsey Fire.

"This school has proven time and time again our shared strength and resilience," Reynaga said. "While this year was our actual only full year of in-person instruction, the hurdles we as a community have overcome should make us all proud of our time here at Malibu High School."

The school named four valedictorians, each of whom received A marks in every class he or she took at Malibu High School.

• Bella Howe, Smith College.
• Leila Iredell, Colby College.
• Nicole Reynaga, Vanderbilt University.
• Dylan Speirs, New York University.
• Lucy Thrall, Franklin University, with plans to transfer to the University of Southern California.

The class of 2022 was always one to push boundaries, student speaker Gabrielle Rubin said. The students and audience laughed as many speakers — including Miller — lovingly reminisced about the school's efforts to rein the class in with a disciplinary contract.

"Look at them now, how far they have come. Personally, I have been incredibly impressed by their tremendous growth and maturity during difficult times these past seven years," Miller said.

Many speakers noted the class was tight like family.

"My first few months at Malibu High challenged all my previously conceived notions about what high school would be. From the beginning of my freshman year, I received nothing but acceptance and support. I received waves and smiles from my peers during passing period and compassion from all my teachers," Reynaga said.

Associated Student Body President Linda Morazan and senior class President Lolitta Reynlib walked the class through some of their favorite collective memories, such as a sunrise trip to Zuma Beach, senior sweatshirt design polls and a dodgeball game.

The two sent the students off with their final daily announcements.

The future now holds a long list of challenges and questions for students, Miller said. He encouraged students to take their time and remember their experience at Malibu High School.

"Go be great," Miller said.