Mountain High School, an alternative education facility for students needing additional credits in order to graduate, held its annual graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 7 at Rim High School’s Performing Arts Center.

Although there were 26 graduating seniors this year, only 20 participated in the graduation ceremony as four had left the area, after completing their credits.

According to Mountain High School Principal David Nygren, approximately 140 students, teachers, parents and other relatives filled the 250-seat auditorium to witness the graduation of their sons, daughters and grandchildren. Following a procession of teachers wearing their black gowns and graduating seniors clad in their red graduation gowns, a flag salute and Pledge of Allegiance recitation was led by graduating senior Austin Whitt, who announced that he had already enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

Principal Nygren noted that the class of 2022 spent the entire 2021 school year learning remotely, online. “This class has bonded as a small group. I feel like you’ve been a part of my family and we’ve created many great memories,” he said, with tears in his eyes. “I want to remind you that, when you get knocked down, get back up. Congratulations to each and every one of you.”

Next to the speaker’s podium was Mountain High School honor student Rayleene Garcia, who presented a student address – in much the same fashion as a valedictorian would do. “I want to say thank you to an amazing teaching staff. We all managed to push through to make it. Thank you, Mr. Nygren, for making it fun. I wish all of you happiness and success.”

Other success stories included one from Austin Whitt, who will report to Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego in August. “I’ve wanted to join the military since I was 6 years old, but I didn’t decide which branch until I was 16.” Austin added, “I spent my freshman, sophomore and half of my junior year at Rim, but Mountain really helped me with a smaller class and better learning.”

Saalem Samain, who previously attended Cajon High School in San Bernardino, said the school was overcrowded and he didn’t get much help from his teachers, was failing most of his classes and not getting any credits. “After moving to Crestline, I went to Mountain High School and the teachers and principal pushed and encouraged me to be successful. At Mountain, I completed all of my graduation requirements in just two years.” Saalem said he intends to enroll at Crafton Hills College where he will complete the first two years of a six-year program to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner.

Representing the Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club was Debbie Hopper, who began awarding $300 scholarships to deserving graduates, each of whom was honored for his or her finest Rotary Club attribute. Honored for her perseverance was Savannah Dawn Houston. She was followed by Rayleene Garcia, who was honored for her trustworthiness. In the Service Above Self category was JonLuke Tello, while Henry Juarez’ best attribute was inspiration.

Capturing the coveted Jim Manson Rotary Award, which provides a $1,000 scholarship for continuing education, was Skylar Bass.

The Lake Arrowhead Rotary Club presented $2,000 continuing education scholarships to Skylar Bass and Rayleene Garcia. Soropotimist International of Rim of the World also presented $1,000 scholarships to Skylar and Rayleene.