Northridge Academy High School holds 2nd graduation for locked out families

NORTHRIDGE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A ticket snafu left more than 150 family members locked out of Northridge Academy High School's graduation last week, but on Friday, a do-over went off without a hitch.

Nine members of the graduating class of 2015 took the stage to get their diploma for a second time, but this time, their families were there to see it.

"We couldn't see her graduation at all. So it's ok. We have it today. It's good enough for us," said Shanit Lahiji, the sister of a graduate.

Last Thursday, parents were in tears as graduates searched the crowd for family members who weren't there. The auditorium had been filled to capacity and many were left outside.

"I was truly, truly sad, but I put on a smile and I crossed the stage," said graduate Lavin Lahiji, who walked across the stage a second time on Friday.

NAHS Principal Nidia Castro apologized for the catastrophe last week. The problem arose after nearly 100 counterfeit tickets were used, she said.

"I'm a parent and I understand. I would have been very upset if that had happened to me," Castro said.

Lena Purtu, the sister of a graduate, wasn't sure she would attend the second celebration, but was glad she didn't miss out again.

"It was beautiful," Pertu said.

"The most important thing to me is having my family here and seeing me take my next step into life," graduate Matthew Purtu said.