52 graduates turn tassels at MVHS

By Chelsea McNerney-Martinez
MONTE VISTA— In a ceremony full of joy and optimistic philosophy, 54 students officially completed the first phase of their education at Monte Vista High School on Saturday morning, May 26.
Following the processional played by the Monte Vista High School Band, Senior Class President Emma DeHerrera welcomed attendees. DeHerrera thanked the school board, staff and teachers for the countless hours of work they have given and gave special thanks to social studies teacher Taylor Johnson and English/journalism teacher Jessica Castillo for sponsoring the senior class trip to Disneyland. DeHerrera also thanked her family for their support and read a quote by Stephen Hawking, “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.” DeHerrera acknowledged the many paths her classmates will be taking after graduation and reminded them “May you all pursue tasks that enable to you to be your own type of fearless.”
Devon Martinez then addressed the crowd beginning with references to Kanye West’s album “Graduation” noting his success as an artist despite being a high school dropout. Martinez stated high school teaches students three things: to have fun because “the most stressful things don’t matter later” and to be independent and support yourself and that high school doesn’t matter “when you have your whole life ahead of you.” Martinez acknowledged the importance of education but stated the life experience they have gained and will continue to gain in the coming years is also significant.
Avyanah Schaak addressed the class, happily reflecting on many memories she has made with her peers through high school and reflecting on some of the struggles she has grown from as well. “We are all bright in our own unique ways,” Schaak stated, “Be yourself and show the world what’s missing.” In addition to her words of encouragement, Schaak thanked Principal Scott Wiedeman and all of the MVHS teachers who have helped the students through their education in countless ways, before concluding with a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Parker Randolph was the next graduate to address his class, although Randolph noted it was not originally supposed to be his class, he was graduating a year early. Randolph spoke about how education is to teach students perseverance, that high school is the first mountain of many they will successful climb. He then quoted Mark Twain, Michelangelo and Benjamin Franklin, reminding his class that although life will be primarily obstacles and bumps, “you have a burning flame in you and you can change your reality… Climb another mountain. Find another trail and just walk, live in the here and now…. Stop wishing you were someone else or somewhere else.”
Megan Slifer presented the Melinda Pinkerton Inspirational Award in honor of her sister, a 2006 graduate of Monte Vista High School who was diagnosed with the Neurofibromatosis Type Two as a high school freshman. Despite the challenges and treatments that Pinkerton faced, she graduated from high school and graduated from college in only three and a half years. Pinkerton passed away in April of 2016 at the age of 28. In her honor, her family created an award for a student who also faced challenges and hardships with courage and determination, selecting Lesli Lopez-Gonzalez as the 2018 award recipient.
Colby Self spoke next, thanking the graduates’ direct extended families for their support and teaching the students how to care. Self thanked them for their endless help and patience with school trips, sports and the late nights they spent picking up athletes and helping with after-prom. “Remember where you came from and be proud,” Self said, before the graduates presented carnations to their family members for their love and support through their education.
Erika Medina and Kaitlynn Porter were credited with a slideshow which included photos from the senior trip to California, including Hollywood sightseeing and Disneyland. A second slideshow followed which included baby pictures adjacent to the graduates’ senior pictures with their intended future plans and destinations.
Superintendent Robert Webb and Wiedeman presented the graduates with scholastic honor chords. Twenty graduates were graduating with honors, one with high honors and three with highest honors. Five were also Upward Bound Scholars and two were club state officers. The board of education then presented the graduates with their diplomas. DeHerrera led the class in the turning of the tassels before Wiedeman announced the graduates, who marched out of the gym into a world ready for their unique and dedicated leadership.