(June 10, 2001) In 1968, when I was in junior high, my uncle took me to the Cinerama Theater in Hollywood to view a movie called “2001, A Space Odyssey.” The director, Stanley Kubrick, presented a vision of the year 2001 that included resorts in space, lunar colonization, rampaging computers and commercial space travel. It all seemed so fantastic and so far away. If I made it to 2001, I’d be 47 years old. Remember that this was before the development of much of the technology that today we take for granted. No VCRs, no compact disks, no telephone answering machines, no computers. The year 2001 became a symbol for the future. Fast forward to today and once again the year 2001 has significance. I believe it is fitting that the first graduating class of Clark Magnet High School should also be the first graduating class of the new millennium. You came three years ago to a place that was growing, developing and evolving just as you were. We spent many hours listening to the complaints and suggestions of why Clark wasn’t like the schools you left. We watched the buildings grow around us, the fences shrink and finally disappear. Somewhere along the line, the class of 2001 came to the realization that there was no established culture at Clark Magnet, and that was a good thing. Slowly, but surely, you all built a school culture, built friendships and relationships, not as a class, but as a school. While you came from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences, you discovered that you also shared a great deal in common. You changed and were different for having been here. As you move toward your future, stay in touch and let us know how we did. Soon you will join a very exclusive group numbering fewer than 127 people, graduates from Clark Magnet High School. On behalf of the staff, I congratulate you for your hard work. Looking back on that day in 1968 when I first became aware of the year 2001, it now doesn’t seem that long ago. In the 33 years that have passed since I first saw “2001, A Space Odyssey,” I can say one thing for sure: I didn’t understand the movie then, and I still don’t. Of course, I now have the advantage of having the Class of 2001 to explain it to me. -Doug Dall Dear Clark Magnet High School Senior Class, Looking back over the last three years, I remember very vividly the spring of 1998 when I presented the Clark philosophy, dress standard, and curriculum to you as 9th graders. When you enrolled at Clark, we didn’t have much to show you – not even a building. No one knew exactly how the school would look, or how students from three different high schools would get along. Yet, I have always thought of you as risk-takers, for how else could you leave the comfort of your neighborhood high school, take a bus, dress in Docker-style pants and a shirt with a collar and sleeves, unless you were risk-takers? At the beginning of the school year I remember how students hung out with only students from their school of residence at snack and lunch. When the buses were ready to leave all students got on the buses without much socializing. But as time passed, things changed drastically. One couldn’t identify students by what high school they had attended in the 9th grade, because now you were Clark students. Over the last three years I have considered myself very fortunate to have known and worked with such a wonderful group of young and energetic students. I am very proud of all of you. I am proud of your accomplishments, your dedication, and I look forward to what you will achieve as adults. Congratulation to the inaugural class of Clark Magnet High School, the Class of 2001! -Joan Shoff Dear Seniors, Nothing mushy or too serious would suit this graduating class. From the fashion etiquette of Diana U. to the dilemmas posed by Samantha L., the talents and futures of this class are too many to mention. You are off to the “real-world” and it is my hope that you stay true to yourselves and learn what you have taught me: learn a little and laugh a lot! -Armena Andranian I wrote you all a poem (something I don’t do very much as you will see). Here it is: One moment flows to the next, imperceptibly A river unlike any other in that its path is indistinct. We are caught in its current, Mostly unaware that we’re even moving. We reach a place that seems beautiful somehow, In some sense new, and yet familiar. Like the color and fragrance of lilac each spring, We recognize it, but it startles us each time. And we want to take some of this place with us, Because we know we’ll never see it the same way again. So we mark it and in our minds and hearts it crystallizes, And as we look back down the river, We finally understand how far we’ve come. Make the most of the time you have. What comes next is a scary and wonderful adventure. We will miss you. -Fred Blattner “Never think of the future. It comes soon enough.” Albert Einstein’s words ring truer to you, the graduates of 2001, than to anyone else. It seems as though it was only yesterday when you entered through the halls of Clark High School as sophomores eager and impatient to learn and explore. Together we tackled the numerous obstacles that a new school and a new environment provide by making new friends and creating our own traditions. You became part of a family – the Clark High School family. Although there were times when you thought this day would never come, your hard work along with the support of your families, friends, teachers and school staff have gotten you here. We spent hours together learning about DNA and chemical formulas, studying the laws of physics, reading poetry and solving math problems, studying history and creating art. Along the way you learned to work together with friends helping one another learn and at times even helping us, your teachers, learn a thing or two about computers and the Internet. We are very proud of you. Congratulations on being the first class ever to graduate from Clark High School. We admire your courage to face something so new and unfamiliar and take on this new challenge with all your strength. Continue to carry on this tradition of hard work, friendship and courage wherever your destinies may take you. But above all remember to have fun and enjoy yourselves along the way. Have fun, because the future comes soon enough. -Loussik Kassakhian The senior class is the most amazing conglomeration of different personalities that I have ever seen in a group of high school graduates. You have not progressed in lockstep fashion, and that is one of your strengths; you are all different, and we should celebrate that. But I have seen one characteristic in all of you, and that is this: you are unfailingly charming people. Maybe the world does not yet hold this asset dear, but I think niceness should be on everyone’s short list of values. All the education in the world will not compensate for rudeness; all the technical knowledge in the world will not make up for evil intentions or ruthlessness. And no matter what you do in life for yourself and for the world, a good heart will make your quest easier. So when you go out into the big, bad world, please retain the demeanor that has made my time here so pleasant. I think it will make you happier, and help make the world a better place, which we all want to see. -Ira West Dear Class of 2001, Thank you for the privilege of working with you as a teacher and class advisor. Many of you have left an indelible imprint on my heart and imagination, and I look forward to watching you begin to build independent lives from the foundations you have built at Clark. The world is now your responsibility and your playground—treat it with respect and rebellion. Remember: “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” -Henry David Thoreau Follow your passion and make your dreams come true. Love, Stephanie Sajjadieh Dear Senior Class of 2001: You should all be very proud of yourselves for being the first graduating class at Clark. You all took a risk in coming here, and I hope you realize the important road that you were the first to tread here. You helped establish Clark’s first ASB Constitution. You created some of the school clubs that continue today. You created the Clark Chronicle . You led the creation of the Pantera yearbook. You led the way in the first intramural athletic competitions. You ran for the first elected offices. You held the first after-school dances. You set a standard for achievement with the senior project. you established the culture and many of the traditions that students decades from now will continue. I hope you’ve appreciated some of the advantages of your unique Clark experience. You’ve attended a school with the most technology resources of any other high school in Glendale. You’ve attended a school known for its safe campus and clean environment. And most importantly, you’ve attended a school where many of the other students and staff members actually knew you (something that often cannot be said for a large, comprehensive high school). You came to Clark when it was just a building in September, 1998. Now you are leaving Clark as a school. -Chris Davis