Pali High’s stadium burned. Their Hollywood Bowl graduation is bittersweet

Amidst a backdrop of resilience and bittersweet emotions, Palisades Charter High School celebrated its graduation at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, an event imbued with both pride and reflection. This year, an impressive 740 seniors took center stage after a tumultuous academic year marked by upheaval due to the devastating Palisades fire, which decimated parts of their beloved school.

The Hollywood Bowl, known for its storied history and famed performances—from the Beatles to Hollywood legends—became a temporary home for these graduates. While this venue brought a unique charm, it was not without a tinge of sorrow as the students were unable to graduate from their cherished “Stadium by the Sea.” A haven for commencement ceremonies over the years, the stadium now lay in ruins due to the January conflagration that affected many students and faculty alike.

Graduates expressed a mixture of gratitude and longing. Senior Cash Allen poignantly articulated this feeling, describing their graduation as “bittersweet.” “There’s just been so many memories,” he reflected. “Not being able to finish out the four years of high school on that field is definitely sad. But I think everyone also is grateful that we get the opportunity to walk at the Hollywood Bowl.”

Despite the adversities faced, the spirit of the students—along with the support of the faculty and local community—stood tall. The fire resulted not only in physical damage but also dislocation, impacting many students’ homes. Some left the school, while others adapted to remote learning before returning to a temporary setup in a Santa Monica building that had previously housed a Sears store. This transition was just one of the many challenges they faced, and it largely shaped the year’s graduation ceremony into a poignant celebration of resilience.

The ceremony featured numerous heartfelt speeches reinforcing a collective theme of perseverance. Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors coach and Pali alumnus, addressed the students, acknowledging the difficult journey they had traversed. He remarked, “I can’t even imagine the adversity you faced—obviously the fires in January that brought us here. Although this is a pretty nice alternative.” His words resonated with the graduates, who filled the high-end seats, embracing the celebratory atmosphere despite their challenges.

Adding to the occasion’s significance, California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a videotaped message urging students to actively create their futures. He highlighted that “the future is not just something to experience; it is something to manifest.” The presence of notable speakers added a layer of commendation for the students’ accomplishments.

Adding to the ceremony’s charm was comedian Billy Crystal, a longtime resident of the Palisades whose home was also lost to the fires in January. His humor provided levity amid the gravity of the situation. He jokingly remarked that the graduation was taking place in an “abandoned Sears building” but quickly transitioned to share profound insights about growth arising from pain. “Out of pain comes growth; out of loss comes wins; out of despair comes joy,” he beautifully articulated.

This year’s valedictorian, Annalisa Hurd, shared a moment of introspection, admitting how her once-certain plans for the future had been interrupted. She emphasized that unexpected changes were not necessarily negative. “Sometimes being laser-focused on only one route means we miss out on the other ones that may be faster, more scenic, or take us to a completely new destination entirely,” she noted, embodying the spirit of adaptability that characterized the graduating class.

Principal Pamela Magee, who had actively sought alternative venues for the graduation, expressed her gratitude for the Hollywood Bowl’s generosity. While negotiating with various locations, they received an offer from the Los Angeles Philharmonic to host the ceremony at the Bowl at a minimal fee, highlighting a community stepping in to support those in need.

Selecting the Bowl added excitement to an event that was nonetheless daunting for long-time theater teacher Nancy Fracchiolla, who faced the additional challenge of retirement after 13 years at Pali. “It was a little daunting,” she recalled. She likened planning the ceremony at a new venue to staring into the unknown. Nevertheless, the ceremony retained its familiar traditions: student musical performances, heartfelt speeches, and the calling of names, all creating an emotionally charged experience.

Families gathered in pride and joy as graduates celebrated their accomplishments. Many noted that despite the school year’s unique challenges, the event felt “normal,” demonstrating how resilience had woven itself into the fabric of this graduating class.

As the ceremony drew to a close, graduates were reminded of the limited time they had to capture lasting memories in the Bowl before it transformed back for another event. Rashad Rhodes, a coach and father of a graduate, reflected on the surreal experience of coming together again, encapsulating the spirit of perseverance by noting, “Pali Strong.”

After enduring the challenges of a year marked by uncertainty and loss, these seniors found themselves flinging their graduation caps into the air—an emblematic act of liberation and readiness to enter the next phase of life. The class of 2025, defined by their resilience and unity, set forth into their futures, their spirits resolute and hopes renewed.

This year’s graduation ceremony has undoubtedly created lasting memories. While tinged with sadness over their past losses, it is a testament to the strength of community, reminding us that amidst chaos and adversity, there lies the potential for growth and joy. The spirit of Pali High continues, reaffirming the belief that even in times of challenge, hope and resilience can shine brightly.

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