San Marcos High School gave a festive sendoff Thursday afternoon to the class of 2023, with a graduation ceremony at Warkentin Stadium.
Donning the school’s royal blue and scarlet colors, nearly 500 graduates filed into the stadium near Goleta to the cheers of family and friends.
Senior speeches were given by Dawson Kelly and Liliana Escamilla, while Principal Dare Holdren offered the keynote address and formally presented the class.
San Marcos High School Principal Dare Holdren with graduate Lily Blankenhorn. Credit: Gary Kim / Noozhawk photo 
San Marcos High School graduates march in for Thursday’s graduation. Credit: Gary Kim / Noozhawk photo 
Senior members of the San Marcos Madrigals perform the senior class song during graduation on Thursday. Credit: Gary Kim / Noozhawk photo 
San Marcos High School Principal Dare Holdren speaks during Thursday’s graduation. Credit: Gary Kim / Noozhawk photo 
San Marcos High School staff walk to their seats for Thursday’s graduation. Credit: Gary Kim / Noozhawk photo 
San Marcos High School staff wait on the stage during Thursday’s graduation. Credit: Gary Kim / Noozhawk photo 
San Marcos High School graduate Natty Valdovinos speaks during Thursday’s graduation. Credit: Gary Kim / Noozhawk photo 
San Marcos High School graduates are all smiles during Thursday’s commencement ceremony. Credit: Gary Kim / Noozhawk photo 
San Marcos High School graduate Wyatt Miller. Credit: Gary Kim / Noozhawk photo 
San Marcos High School students and graduates perform. Credit: Gary Kim / Noozhawk photo 
San Marcos High School graduate Liliana Escamilla speaks during Thursday’s graduation. Credit: Gary Kim / Noozhawk photo
To the approval of the crowd, the graduates crossed the stage one by one to receive their diplomas and the congratulations of Santa Barbara Unified School District board members and executive staff.
The national anthem and the senior class song were performed by the Madrigals, and the pledge of allegiance was led by Natty Valdovinos.
Graduates from Dos Pueblos High School, Santa Barbara High School, La Cuesta Continuation School and Alta Vista High School also celebrated with ceremonies this week.
The ceremonies featured more than 1,500 students graduating from the Santa Barbara Unified School District.