The teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff at Oxnard Adult School were pleased and proud to honor their High School Diploma and GED graduates on Tuesday night, June 12th, 2012 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. This celebration marked the 75th anniversary of Oxnard Adult School, which opened its doors in 1937. Jack O’Connell was an honored guest speaker at the ceremony. Many students young and old received their high school diplomas or GED certificates as family and friends cheered them on.

Several student speakers shared their personal struggles and the relief and sense of pride they felt as they would soon accept their diplomas or certificates. For many graduates the learning won’t stop there; many have plans to attend local community colleges and universities in the fall. Their high school diplomas or GEDs are not mere pieces of paper to these students, they are passports to career advancement or higher education. They are hope for a more fulfilling life.

President Barak Obama said, “Dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It’s not just quitting on yourself, it’s quitting on your country – and this country needs and values the talents of every American.” These students didn’t give up in spite of all the challenges of work and family obligations.

With the shake of a hand and the grasp of their diploma, the Oxnard Adult School graduates of 2012 proved that whether your 18 or 80, it’s never too late to follow a dream. They are an inspiration to all students, especially those for whom success doesn’t always come easily.

For the seniors graduating Thursday from Frontier High School, their past was history and all that mattered was that they were receiving their diplomas and moving toward the future.

Standing in line with the rest of her graduating class was 18-year-old Jennifer Ackerman from Camarillo. She said she dropped out of high school in her freshman year, but eventually returned. And she’s glad she did.

“It was definitely challenging, but I credit the Frontier staff for helping me through,” said Ackerman, who will be attending Ventura College.

Oxnard resident Jordan Alvarado, 18, said he had some challenges to reaching graduation day, but he was excited to start college. He had plans to go to California Lutheran University and become a veterinarian.

Oxnard Adult School is pleased to announce the high school graduation and GED completions of the class of 2012. Approximately 60 high school diploma students and 160 GED students will celebrate their commencement on June 12, 2012 at the Performing Arts Center located at 800 Hobson Way in Oxnard. Ceremonies will start promptly at 6:30 pm.Ms. Judy Perkins, Oxnard Adult School principal, will welcome graduates, and counselors Mrs. Alexa Sanchez and Ms. Blanca Gil will conduct the ceremony. Former California Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O’Connell will be the keynote guest speaker. In addition, five graduates will be sharing their personal stories about reaching the goal of graduation.

This year, Oxnard Adult School is celebrating 75 years of serving the community and has graduated more than 18,000 students since its founding in 1937. The school’s mission is to meet the needs of the local community by providing accessible high-quality educational programs that prepare students to survive and thrive as they fulfill their academic, professional, and personal goals in an encouraging, empowering, and enjoyable learning environment.

The teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff at Oxnard Adult School were pleased and proud to honor their High School Diploma and GED graduates on Tuesday night, June 14th, 2011 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. With a small and intimate ceremony, many students young and old received their High School Diplomas or GED certificates as family and friends cheered them on.

Several Student speakers shared their personal struggles and the relief and sense of pride they felt as they would soon accept their diplomas or certificates. For many graduates the learning won’t stop at there, many have plans to attend local community colleges and universities in the fall. Their high school diplomas or GEDs are not mere pieces of paper to these students, they are passports to career advancement or higher education. They are hope for a more fulfilling life.

President Barak Obama said, “Dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It’s not just quitting on yourself, it’s quitting on your country – and this country needs and values the talents of every American.” These students didn’t give up in spite of all the challenges of work and family obligations.

With the shake of a hand and the grasp of their diploma, the Oxnard Adult School graduates of 2011 proved that, whether your 18 or 80, it’s never too late to follow a dream. They are an inspiration to all students, especially those for whom success doesn’t always come easily.

An overcast sky and chilly breeze failed to dampen the spirits of 650 seniors graduating from Oxnard High School on Friday afternoon.

Friends and family members cheered loudly as the Class of 2011 filed onto the football field.

Fifita Fakatoufifita, 45, a native of Tonga who now lives in Oxnard, cradled his 8-month-old daughter while searching for a glimpse of daughter Taiana, 18, as the Class of 2011 filed onto the football field.

“She’s into a lot of stuff at school and she’s an A student,” Fakatoufifita said proudly. “She plays volleyball and does track. She stays after school to participate in programs.

“She’s going to college, but I’m not sure which one yet. She’s excited, she’s happy like most teenagers. She likes it here.”

Tabitha Castro, 43, said her 18-year-old daughter wasn’t one to participate in clubs or sports.

“Celine doesn’t participate in activities much, but you know what, she gets her 2 cents in with her friends that do,” Castro said. “She’s kind of behind the scenes and likes it that way.”

Castro said she’s proud of her daughter, who plans to study cosmetology and hairstyling and hopes to open a business someday.

Principal Eric Riegert welcomed the crowd of well-wishers and addressed graduating seniors.

“You are ready to begin your life and live out a story that has not been written,” Riegert said. “Do not go quietly through life. Do not accept mediocrity.”

One by one, graduates approached the microphone. They recounted memories and recalled experiences from their four years of high school. They spoke of teachers, friends, Yellow Jacket victories on the playing field, academic competitions and prom night.

“This school year started with a new principal and administrative team,” Amanda Solis said. “Our football team made sushi of the school down the street (Pacifica High School) and shared the league title.”

Valedictorian Danielle Bonucchi reminded her classmates that they were part of Harry Potter mania and would soon be explaining to younger people how they managed to live without Facebook.

“Today, we become part of this changing world,” Bonucchi said. “We will each change the world in our own way. We will all leave our mark.”

Fellow Valedictorian Demi Meza said parents in attendance knew graduation is the “beginning of something extraordinary.”

“We all know the road before us is long and difficult,” Meza said. “If I learned one thing from high school it is life is full of trials. Remember, once a Jacket, always a Jacket.”

Oxnard High School

School district: Oxnard Union High School District

Spring enrollment: 2,900

Graduates: 650

Valedictorians: Danielle Jeanette Bonucchi, Ian Andersen Cossman, Demi Ashley Mesa, Sarah Marie Watte

Principal: Eric Riegert

Highlights past year: County Academic Decathlon champions; former state Superintendent Jack O’Connell first inductee into Oxnard High School Hall of Fame; improved in all state-mandated tests.

Though they were enshrouded in June gloom, spirits were bright as 673 graduates of Pacifica High School’s Class of 2011 stormed the football field in white, green and black to get their diplomas.

“I’m excited. I’m anxious to get my life going,” said 18-year-old Aundria Basquez as she waited for the ceremony to start. “I’m really proud to know I have something to look forward to in the next couple of months.”

Basquez, who’s heading off to Indiana University-Purdue at Indianapolis on a Division I softball scholarship, huddled next to her best friend and teammate, Tatiana Alcala, who will play Division I softball at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

Pacifica High graduates bid farewell to friends, school

“We’ve already calculated it by GPS,” Alcala said. “We’re a nine-hour drive away from each other.”

“She demands a phone call every day,” Basquez added playfully.

Friendships were one of the many things celebrated as speakers took the stage before a crowd of several thousand for the school’s eighth annual commencement ceremony Friday in Oxnard. The school was also celebrating its 10-year anniversary and students heading off to schools such as Brown University, MIT, Princeton and the Naval Academy, as well as schools in the UC and CSU systems.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Pacifica High School has produced some of the greatest citizens of our community,” said Associated Student Body President Jesus Candelario as he welcomed the graduates.

Stephanie Pascua, one of four senior speakers chosen by classmates, congratulated her fellow graduates on their “long, arduous, four-year transformation,” and reminded them, “We are more than ready to take on the future. However, we cannot forget the people that have inspired greatness in us.”

She then led the crowd to “chant their hearts out” in their last act as seniors.

“Twenty-one-one! Twenty-one-one!” they screamed in unison.

Three valedictorians shared the stage.

Ryan Ota, who will attend Pomona College, told the graduates, “Whatever path you choose for yourself, live your life without regret.”

Edgardo Farias, who will attend MIT, advised them to “become the people that will serve as role models for future generations.”

Maria Alpirez, who is heading to UCLA, added, “We have to work hard to reach the goals we have set. We’re all gifted in some way.”

“It’s showtime!” yelled Principal Bijou Beltran as she got ready to welcome the graduates to the stage for their diplomas.

On the sidelines, graduate Angelique Deharo’s 18 family members jumped into action, blaring bullhorns and waving signs with the letters of her name spelled out 2 feet high.

“I see her! I see her!” called her mother, Liz Deharo. “Put the letters up! I love you, Angie!”

Nearby, Zilmer Lee, whose son Zilmer Lee III is heading to Moorpark College to play football, mused, “It goes by so fast. He’s a good kid. I’m lucky.”

Pacifica High School

School district: Oxnard Union High School District

Spring enrollment: 3,127

Graduates: 673

Valedictorians: Maria Alpirez, Edgardo Farias, Ryan Ota

Principal: Bijou Beltran

Past year’s highlights: Celebrated 10th year as a school; achieved the greatest California High School Exit Examination pass rate in school history; Academic Decathlon team won first place in its division.

The joy of achievement was on full display as the seniors of Hueneme High School celebrated their commencement ceremony Friday afternoon before a football stadium grandstand packed full of horn-blasting and sign-waving loved ones.

Also on display were their compassion and humanity, as they paid tribute to popular classmate Michael Collaso, who was struck and killed by a car mere weeks before he was to receive his diploma.

The students stood and cheered as Collaso’s parents, Larry and Michelle, were introduced by Principal Oscar Hernandez. They cheered even harder as his mother, wearing a red gown embroidered with her son’s name, was the first to step to the podium to collect his diploma.

“He was our only child,” she said. “We waited 10 years to have him.”

Even before the ceremony, as the students gathered in the school gym in their caps and gowns, red for boys and white for girls, they broke into impromptu applause as the Collasos passed through on their way to the field.

After paying their respects, the students focused on their big moment, barely able to contain their excitement.

Diana Arriaga, 17, recalled trying hard throughout high school.

“I thought this day was going to come, but sometimes I thought it would take another 10 years,” she said. “It’s finally here. It still hasn’t hit me.”

Joseph Ene, 17, said he plans to join the Coast Guard and has already talked to a recruiter.

“I’ve got to prepare for life. I can’t take anything for granted,” he said, noting that serving his country in a time of war “would be a great honor.”

Sarah Nicole Figueroa, 17, said she plans to study nursing at Oxnard College next year. “Graduation isn’t the end. It’s the beginning,” she said.

Yovani Ramirez, 18, said of his high school years, “I never gave up on myself.”

A musician who plays saxophone, clarinet and drums, he will be attending Oxnard College and hopes to transfer to UCLA.

Francisco Velasquez, 18, pulled off an unlikely feat to make it to graduation day. He needed 105 credits in his final year. A typical load is 60. But he made sacrifices, quit the school’s successful soccer team and buckled down to become the first of seven siblings to get his diploma.

“I’m going to try to become an auto body technician,” he said.

Gustavo Vieyra, 17, said he’d miss lunchtime and his English teacher, Claudine Muro.

“I didn’t just get to know her as a teacher, but as a person,” he said. He will be studying sociology at CSU Northridge in September.

As the crowd filed out, Andrew Franco, 18, a candy lei around his neck, celebrated with his mother, Sharon, who graduated from Hueneme 25 years ago, and father, Armando.

“He is our first and only child,” Franco’s father said. “I feel satisfaction that he pulled it off with everything that’s going on in society today and that he was able to stay on the right track.”

Hueneme High School

School district: Oxnard Union High School District

Spring enrollment: 2,000

Graduates: 420

Valedictorian: Alexander Alatorre

Salutatorian: Orlando Rodriguez

Principal: Oscar Hernandez

Past year’s highlights: AVID — Advancement Via Individual Determination – passed the national certification; NJROTC increased the number of students participating; boys soccer team won first league championship.

Although the sky was gloomy, the mood was bright at Rio Mesa High School’s Michaelson Stadium as family and friends of the 421 members of the 2011 graduating class took the field.

Principal Ray Gonzales told graduates, “I want to express my confidence in all of you. It has been my great privilege to watch you grow and mature these past four years.”

After quoting lyrics from the Josh Groban song “You Raise Me Up,” co-Valedictorian Montana Beifuss challenged fellow graduates to “take your future into your own hands, stand strong, dare to do better.”

“We have the opportunity to impact others, to stand for good,” she said.

Co-Valedictorian Danielle Christine Mansfield said, “I look out at the class of 2011 and I see some of the most inventive, creative and determined people I’ve ever known. I’m so proud of you guys.” Then, after sharing her tips for success, she told the students, “Don’t let your fear hold you back in any way.”

Yaritza Rodriguez, 18, has already enlisted in the Marine Corps and reports for basic training July 25.

“I thought about going to Iraq or Afghanistan and I’m not afraid because women aren’t allowed in combat, so I’d get some type of humanitarian assignment. I think being a Marine will be an adventure, to travel and meet new people.”

Cristian Franco, 18, a first-generation American, plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Ventura College before transferring to San Diego State University. He’s the first in his family to attend college.

“I want to become a detective because I think it’s the best way I can help people,” Franco said.

Olivia Johnson, 18, who received a scholarship from the 20th Century Onyx Club, a civic and social organization comprised of African-American women in the Ventura area, also wants to help. She’ll be attending Arizona State University in the fall to pursue a nursing degree.

Until she leaves for Tempe, though, she said she’s “looking forward to spending as much time as possible with family and friends.”

isa Garcia’s daughter Braeauna Garcia, 17, will be studying dance at Moorpark College.

“I’m just so proud of her. She’s an amazing young lady,” Garcia said.

Genji Otani’s son Joshua will be attending classes designed for people with autism at Channel Islands High after graduation.

“It’s been a long journey, but it’s not really over yet,” Otani said.

Rio Mesa High School

School district: Oxnard Union High School District

Spring enrollment: 2,087

Graduates: 421

Valedictorians: Montana Biefuss and Danielle Christine Mansfield

Principal: Ray Gonzales

Past year’s highlights: Of this year’s graduates, 88 percent will attend colleges and universities; Spartan athletics earned the 2010 Pacific View League Cup; and jazz band earned first place at the 42nd annual Dos Pueblos Jazz Festival in Santa Barbara.

At the 53rd annual Camarillo High School commencement, it was all about the 2011 graduating class.

In addition to six class and associated student body officers, 23 honor students were spotlighted with speeches to the standing-room-only crowd.

The speakers included valedictorians, distinguished honors recipients, and some who were both.

Among them, Jason Bunk told his peers, “Success isn’t always measured by money and wealth. … It’s about enjoying your life.”

Kaylyn Connelly told her class that not all life lessons are in books and mistakes can be beneficial if you learn from them.

Jessica Karch said to cross your bridges as you come to them, and burn them if you have to. Kristipher Korzan challenged his peers to become risk-takers.

Aubrey Kaye quoted J.K. Rowling’s speech at Harvard’s 2008 graduation, “‘We do not need magic to change the world,; we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to imagine better.’”

Steve Kelly, 17, said, “We worked hard to make to this day. I’m going to take classes at Ventura Community College for a while and study business.”

Niki Holder, 17, is going to Wisconsin to become a dairy farmer.

“I was part of Future Farmers of America here. That’s what my cords are for,” Holder said, pointing to her dark blue and silver cords. “I love cattle. I’m going to be going to Lakeshore Technical College.”

Hayden Glenn plans to start at Ventura Community College toward his goal to become a therapist.

“Today is just unreal,” said Glenn, 17. “I never thought I’d make it here. I’m a little sad because I’m never coming back to high school again.”

Valedictorian Kaylyn Connelly, 18, said: “I’m really excited because I worked really hard to get this far. It’s a big day. I’m going to Loyola Marymount University and I’m majoring in graphic design to become an advertising mogul.”

Her father, Martin Connelly, said: “I’m very, very proud of Kaylyn. She has gotten straight A’s since kindergarten. She’s one of those kids where it doesn’t come easy. She’s really got to work at it, and it’s all paying off. She hasn’t done a lot in sports or other activities because she has dedicated everything to her studying and getting ahead.”

Monica Ramos got a lot of applause from the bleachers when her message to her classmates was simple: “Go out and have fun.”

Eighteen-year-old Hanalei Santos said, “Today is a culmination of everything we’ve worked so hard for, for these four years. I’m really excited to have my family here. I’m going to UCLA on an Air Force ROTC scholarship.”

Camarillo High School

School district: Oxnard Union High School District

Spring enrollment: 2,305

Graduates: 535

Valedictorians: Katie Jo Ash, Jason J. Bunk, Valerie Rebecca Burstein, Kaylyn Marie Connelly, Emily Ellen Galloway, Jessica Marie Karch, Aubrey Sara Kaye, Christina Sohee Kim, Tyler Scott Lythgoe, Meagan Rose Nelford, Samantha Maureen Solem and Jennifer Zhao

Principal: Glenn Lipman

Highlights: API 847, the highest in school history; recipient of the Golden Bell Award; softball team won CIF championship.

Jonathan Tapia
For Jonathan Tapia, 18, the English language is like an iceberg— there’s so much more to learn under the visible surface.

It’s a concept that his favorite teacher, Carmen Leon, regularly incorporates into the classroom.

Jonathan works at Petco and attended a Pacific Clinics outreach program called Transitional Age Youth Tunnel.

Jonathan is the son of Maria Ana Soria and Santiago Tapia.

He plans to enroll at Ventura College in the fall. He looks forward to exploring different subjects in college until he finds a career he wants to pursue.

Jorge Meza
Jorge Meza, 18, has big goals.

The peer resource leader wants to graduate from UCLA or Pepperdine with a degree in criminal justice. Jorge also plans on earning his master’s degree.

Jorge said he wouldn’t be able to dream so big without the comfort and support he has received from his entire family, including his mother, Alda Guzmán.

He also thanked Frontier educators Crista Gonzalez and Kim Dallape for their help. Neither his family nor his teachers ever gave up on him, he said.

Laura Martinez
Laura Martinez, 17, enjoys putting others’ needs before her own. The student body vice president volunteers at her church, the Boys & Girls Club and a homeless breakfast program.

She is the daughter of Raquel Garcia and Leopoldo Martinez.

She is also active in yearbook and cross country. Laura credits her mother and father with always supporting her and her teacher Kim Dallape with showing her how to dream big and never give up.

Laura intends to do just that when she attends Ventura College in the fall. She aspires to break into fashion design with her own clothing line.

Shyra Thomas
School spirit is important to Shyra Thomas, 18.

Not only does she participate in Frontier’s volleyball and color guard teams, she is also involved with Associated Student Body.

Shyra is the daughter of Alma and Kenneth Redhead.

She has helped organize the school’s African American model show, a musical chairs event and a Halloween contest.

Shyra hopes to attend the Columbus College of Art & Design in Ohio.

Shyra said her mother is the biggest influence in her life because she knows her better than anyone else and always wants the best for her.