Lauren Luhrs waves to her family during the 2016 commencement ceremony for Newport Harbor High School at Orange Coast College on Thursday. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)
George Paspalof gestures to a fellow graduate during the 2016 commencement ceremony for Newport Harbor High School at Orange Coast College on Thursday. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)
Joe Ahearn, left, hugs Joe Robinson during the 2016 commencement ceremony for Newport Harbor High School at Orange Coast College on Thursday. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)
Kaylee Call shows off her diploma during the 2016 commencement ceremony for Newport Harbor High School at Orange Coast College on Thursday. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)
A graduate gives a thumbs up during the 2016 commencement ceremony for Newport Harbor High School at Orange Coast College on Thursday. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)
Peyton Espley-Jones, the ASB president, carries a Newport Harbor High School banner during the processional at the 2016 commencement ceremony at Orange Coast College on Thursday. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)
Alexis Grantz listens during the 2016 commencement ceremony for Newport Harbor High School at Orange Coast College on Thursday. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)
Family and friends cheer for a graduate during the 2016 commencement ceremony for Newport Harbor High School at Orange Coast College on Thursday. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)
Spencer Swanson waves to the crowd during the 2016 commencement ceremony for Newport Harbor High School at Orange Coast College on Thursday. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)
Spencer Swanson waves to the crowd during the 2016 commencement ceremony for Newport Harbor High School at Orange Coast College on Thursday. (Scott Smeltzer / Scott Smeltzer | Daily Pilot)