Byron Syring Delta Center holds Monte Vista Campus and Online Graduation

Photo by Marie Mccolm

MONTE VISTA — Approximately 400 people attended the Monte Vista Byron Syring DELTA Center-Online Academy graduation ceremony that was held at the Jean Ritchey Central Auditorium on Saturday, May 20. Members of the Monte Vista School District Board of Education and staff held the ceremony that school Counselor Dave Davoudlarian said, “The biggest I have experienced in my six years here.”

The ceremony kicked off with DELTA Center-Online Academy Director and Principal Rebekah Johnson giving an introduction about the ceremony, “Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the 2023 commencement exercises for Monte Vista Online Academy, Byron Syring DELTA Center, and our Byron Syring Delta Center adult education program. These three programs play important roles in Monte Vista School District’s commitment to inspire the pursuit of excellence one student at a time. High school can look different for everybody, and it does look different for everybody. We are proud that we are able to provide a program and approach that best meets the needs of all individuals. Today, we celebrate the accomplishment of completing high school with this group of students sitting right here.”

Johnson said that that this was the 50th graduating class for the DELTA graduates in the Adult Education and outside program, and the 27th graduating class for the Monte Vista Online Academy students. Johnson said that the way to distinguish between the two was that the tassels for the Adult Education campus graduates were black, while the Monte Vista Online Academy students have blue and white colored tassels. Both groups were asked to stand up and applause was given by the audience for both groups.

Online Academy student Ison White was then called to the stage to speak.

“Congratulations to everyone here, graduating today,” White said. “We have all worked so hard and gone through our own challenges to be here getting our diplomas. Some of us have our plans set as to what comes next, and some of us are still figuring out what we want to pursue in the future. Whatever you choose just make sure it makes you happy.”

Three graduates from the Byron Syring DELTA Center also gave speeches — DJ Ceballos, Henley Gerlach, and Aaliyah Archuleta.

Ceballos said, “I started with the DELTA Center in my sophomore year. I did not want to come. I thought others would look down on me for being a Delta Student. What I quickly realized was the Delta Center was extremely welcoming. When I dealt with hard times the teachers and staff were aware of my situation and allowed me to take the time.”

Ceballos paused for a second and became emotional. Everyone in the audience clapped for him.

“Personally, I was able to form a great relationship with the teachers here at the DELTA Center,” Ceballos said. “I would like to thank all the teachers, and my family for their support. If you don’t know what port you are sailing to, how do you know what wind is favorable.”

Gerlach also spoke at the graduation ceremony, “First of all I would like to thank my fellow graduates, it’s been a crazy ride, but we made it.”

Gerlach explained how things had been hard for him in school from the start of sixth grade up until about his junior year when he started attending the DELTA Center. He spoke of how for a few months he had dropped out of school and had plans to move away. Once he started attending the DELTA Center things were different for him, “I felt like I had entered a school where I could excel. I have to thank the DELTA Center for that, they are the whole reason that I am graduating.”

Archuleta also spoke at the ceremony, “Dear faculty, graduates, and esteemed guests. Welcome to what is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Here we stand never imagining this day would come. Today we gather with a world wind of emotions, as our long-awaited day finally arrives. We bid farewell to all our amazing teachers and friends, who have proudly influenced and shaped us into the individuals we are today. To my fellow graduates, keep pushing forward good luck. You can overcome anything and everything.”

A presentation of flowers was given by the students to their loved ones in the audience and a special video was shown in honor of Language Arts Teacher Bill Golsan. Golsan experienced a severe medical condition and had to take a lengthy leave of absence. Golsan, who is currently in the hospital and has been since March, created a video encouraging the students to enjoy their choices in life.

Golsan stated, “As you work hard, and especially when you work hard, there will be times when you want to quit. There will be times when you want to sit down, keep going. I wish all of you the best graduates. You inspire me.”

A slide show was presented featuring the graduates, and then the MVSD Board of Education and staff handed out the diplomas.

The turning of the tassel ceremony followed the presentation of diplomas. Student Zadela Gallegos spoke stating, “Fellow graduates, we have received our diplomas and we are at the point in the graduation ceremony where we symbolically move our tassels from the right side to the left side. This marks the completion of our schooling. I will now countdown, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Congratulations, we did it!”

Principal Johnson then congratulated all the graduates and said, “At this time it is my pleasure to present the graduates of 2023. Thank you all for attending and congratulations, you did it!”

The ceremony ended with the graduates walking down from the stage and out of the building.


Video News