October 10, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

PHOTOS: It’s a memorable graduation day for seniors on Tustin’s girls basketball team

Tustin Coach Claire Gocke joined her four seniors (from left) Ahzira Faletoi, Lisbeth Cabrera, Savannah Thorn and Kylie Pulsifer. (Photos courtesy Tustin girls basketball)

Graduation for Tustin High School seniors has been tentatively delayed until August because of the coronavirus pandemic which has closed schools resulting in on-line courses.

But Tustin High girls basketball coach Claire Gocke wanted to make sure her four seniors were honored before then. Tuesday, Gocke hosted a ceremony at her home for the players: Ahzira Faletoi (Golden West College), Lisbeth Cabrera (Concordia), Savannah Thorn (UCLA) and Kylie Pulsifer (Orange Coast College).

To see the pictures of graduates with their families, please click here:

All the social distancing guidelines were followed, Gocke said.

“Dr. Jon Tuin, our prinicpal, handed out diplomas,” Gocke said Tuesday. “Keith Martyn, our athletics announcer, annouced names and read high school accolades.

“Two chairs per graduating family were set up in the front row outside of the fence. Other teammates and families had their own pods or chairs spaced out six feet apart from other groups.”

There was entertainment too.

“Our neighbors performed a graduation song by Vitamin C on guitar and sang,” Gocke said. “It was really special, short graduation ceremony for them; got the chance to reflect on their accomplishments in high school and celebrate their next step as they move on with their education and various athletics.

“Families brought flowers, leis and balloons; it was the closest thing to a possible graduation at this time as the seniors walked across the ‘stage,’ (my front porch) and received their diplomas.”

After the event, the graduates posed for pictures with their families.