‘Thank you for your resilience’

By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Editor

 

As Jeremy Montiel, the administrator and alternative education specialist at Mountain High School, looked at the assembled Class of 2025, he commented that he was “reminded of how Mountain High School stands out as a remarkable place.

“I’m convinced our students have so much story in them. We have a responsibility to share their stories.”

Montiel then shared a quote from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Diego Gaona-Romero was the Eagletorian – the student chosen to give the Class of 2025 address. “I’m honored to stand before you today as this year’s Eagletorian, representing a class that has shown what it truly means to rise – not with fanfare or trophies – but with focus, heart and quiet determination.

“Mountain High isn’t your typical high school. We’re just juniors and seniors – two years to find our rhythm, make our mark and create something that feels like home.

“We didn’t have sports teams or homecoming games. But don’t mistake the absence of athletics for a lack of passion. Our victories were different – we won in the classroom, in our clubs, in our creativity and in graduating on time.

“We didn’t wear jerseys – we wore late nights and tough questions. But we still supported each other. We still showed up for one another. We still had a team – it just looked a little different.”

Diego thanked his teachers and the staff “for holding us to high standards and for caring about who we are as people, not just students.”

And he thanked their families for their “unwavering support. Even when we were stressed, tired or stubborn (which, let’s face it, was often), you stood by us and reminded us that we were capable.

“To my fellow graduates – we did this,” Diego continued. “We proved that achievement doesn’t have to be loud. That leadership can be quiet. That community can be built in just two years when the people in it are real, kind and determined.

“As we step into what comes next – college, work, the unknown – let’s carry that same drive. Let’s keep asking questions, keep building and keep believing that we have something valuable to offer.

“Congratulations, Mountain High Class of 2025. Keep flying high.”

Four organizations then presented scholarships to 13 students.

Representing the Lake Arrowhead Rotary Club, Aylene Popka presented scholarships to Azalia Perez and Samuel Garibay.

Elizabeth O’Neil and Deborah Fancett of the Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club presented the scholarship for Inspiration to Cyndy Victorio Vazquez, for Perseverance to Diego Gaona-Romero, for Trustworthiness to Paxton Groff, for Leadership to Jazmin Cardoso, for Service Above Self to Victoria Krechetov and for Vocational Pursuits to Maritza Cervantes.

They also presented the Jim Manson scholarship, named for the late member of their Rotary Club, to Ruby Haynes; this $2,000 award will be presented in two $1,000 installments to Ruby, who plans to study photography and cinematography.

Jo Bonita Rains, president of the Rim of the World Educational Foundation, awarded three scholarships: to Daniela Navarro for Resilience, to Ethan Snyder for Character and to Octavio Aguilar for Tenacity.

The final scholarship from the Rim of the World Communities Scholarship Council was presented to Maritza Cervantes by Cindy Gardner.

“We are helping these kids pursue their dreams,” Gardner said.

Superintendent Dr. Paul Sevillano asked the students to stand and thank their parents and staff, which drew a lot of waving and shouting from the audience.

“We look forward to your future successes,” Dr. Sevillano told the graduates.

After Montiel handed each graduate their diploma, the students crossed the stage in the Performing Arts Center at Rim of the World High School to shake the hands of their teachers – Susan Williams and Scott Whiteside, as well as Lisa Mills, their counselor.

The Class of 2025 at Mountain High included 31 students, 20 of whom had completed the required number of credits during the school year, graduating early. Most of them returned for the ceremony.

“Make sure your tassels are on the right side, signifying your time at Mountain High,” Montiel told the students. “Eagles, move your tassels to the left, signifying your graduation.”

With that, the students tossed their caps in the air while family and friends shot off confetti in the PAC.

“We thank you for your resilience and all the work you have done this school year,” Montiel said as the ceremony concluded.