PHOTOS: 'Largest Class in Recent History' Commences at SCHS

Some 750 San Clemente High School Students turned their tassels and ended their secondary school years Wednesday night.

San Clemente High School Principal George Duarte called 2011's graduates the largest SCHS graduating class in recent memory.

"I sincerely believe that the future of our society is in very capable hands," he said.

Thousands packed Thalassa Stadium at the school, some forced to line the surrounding hillsides to watch their sons, daughters, brothers and sisters receive their diplomas.

"The days of our compulsory education are over," said grad Quinn Hatoff, Triton of the Year, from the podium. "In life, we decide how we measure our success."

The "Scholar of Scholars," Yanchen Zhang, also spoke a few words to his classmates.

"No matter where we end up, no matter what fortunes befall us, we will always look back on this day and the work that got us here," he said.