Perla Guzman hugs a well-wisher after Thursday’s graduation ceremony at Locke High School in Los Angeles. She had a 4.38 grade-point average and will enroll at UCLA this fall. Locke has had a tumultuous year. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
A student reacts enthusiastically to becoming a 2008 graduate of Locke High. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Anthony Howard, 18, sports his 2008 sunglasses just before graduation ceremonies at Locke High School. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Blanca Rodriguez , left, and Perla Guzman, in their Locke High graduation gowns, make their way to the cerfemony. . Guzman was the class valedictorian and will attend UCLA . (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
