The Channel Islands High School class of 2012 was a successful one, according to principal Maricruz Hernandez, who is enjoying her second year heading up the school. The school's held its 45th commencement Friday at Ken BenefieldStadium.

"We have a lot of students who accomplished their goals," Hernandez said. "In sports they really excelled. The school's varsity football, varsity soccer and varsity volleyball teams made it to the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs, and the school's spirit teams won nationaltitles.

"I feel very comfortable that each of these graduates is ready to be a productive member of the community," Hernandez said, adding that the success of the school comes in its tradition. "It's a family environment here. We have 37 faculty members who are alumni, includingme."

One of the five class valedictorians and Top 10 scholars at the school, Jeanine Ruiz, said she owes her academic success to her teachers. She said she plans to attend UCLA, where she is thinking of pursuing pre-medstudies.

"The spirit teams and the spirit in the school make students feel more comfortable. School is more than a place to study. You can do so much more than that," shesaid.

Dennis Lopez, 17, is planning to go to UC Santa Barbara, where he plans to major in mechanicalengineering.

"I left more united with everybody," he said, adding that he really enjoyed the water polo program. "I think the class of 2012 is academicallyadventurous."

Rufina Torres, 18, decorated her mortarboard with a necklace andglitter.

"I just wanted to stand out," she said, explaining that she plans to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. "Going to Channel Islands High School gave me strength. A bunch of people tried to hold me down, but by graduating, I'm proving them wrong. I have the power within me to do what I want no matter whattheysay."

Associated Student Body President Daniel Galang dubbed the class of 2012, "the class of change" as he introduced the class history portion of the commencement program, which was highlighted with an Army color guard and music by the school's concertband.

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Channel Islands High School graduating class remembered for its family feeling