By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
Mountain High School, which offers a non-traditional route to a high school diploma, held their graduation ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, June 10 in the Rim Performing Arts Auditorium. Over 100 attended to honor the hard work these graduates have undertaken to earn their diplomas. Many of these students had to overcome numerous obstacles that were thrown into their pathway to achieve their diploma. These students are inspiring and they proved they have the determination and skills to be successful.
Their goals and future plans include further academic education and trade schools. It was announced that 40 % will be attending college, 40 % will be attending trade schools, 15% are enlisting in the military and the other 5% have future educational plans that are not yet defined.
The Mountain High School Class of 2026.
Margaret Williams was the Eagletorian, who balanced work and school, and represented Mountain High on the school site council. Her speech addressed how each day of everyone’s life is another page in their book of life. “Your book is not yet written and every day you are turning to a new page. The people you know now will be different in six months, and so will be your life.” She advocates making your book of life special by filling it with important people and good stories.
Several scholarships were presented to the students. The Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead was represented by Aylene Popka, who presented two $600 scholarships, one to Evelyn Lopez and one to Marco Baeza.
Paul Fornier of Mountain Sunrise Rotary presented seven scholarships totaling $4400. The Art and Vocational Scholarship went to Emily Evers. The Inspirational Scholarship for a brighter future went to Angelena Rue. The Trustworthy Scholarship for exceptional responsibility and dependability went to Seth Silva. The Perseverance Scholarship for never giving up went to Ulises Roque. The Leadership Scholarship award went to Angel Morales. The Special Services Scholarship for going above and beyond to help others, which is being demonstrated by the fact she is joining the Air Force went to Fernanda Llamas. The largest of the scholarships, the Jim Maison Rotary Scholarship, was presented to Margaret Williams for always striving to help others and representing the four principals of Rotary. Margaret will be attending Crafton Hills College in the fall in her quest to become a schoolteacher.
Cindy Gardner of the Rim Community Foundation said the foundation distributed 56 scholarships this year with a total value of over $46,400. Each of the students also received a certificate from Assemblyman Tom Lackey, State Senator Rosicilie Ochoa-Bogh and Supervisor Dawn Rowe. A $500 scholarship was presented to Angel Morales and $500 to Lydia Trujillo, and Margaret Williams received $750.
Superintendent Dr. Paul Sevillano spoke on the power of community as shared his own childhood experiences of how community helped him while growing up in a foster home. He challenged the students, asking them to think how they plan to give back to the community that has given them so much, and how they intend to lift up others. “The future needs you to have compassion for others. Most of us have challenges. Look to find a way to help others, give back and show the power of community and your life will be enriched.”
Graduates about to receive their diplomas.
Those receiving diplomas were each recognized for their contributions to Mountain High: Rainn Aplinshook for his respect for others; Nicole Avila for her creativity and helping others; Marco Avila Baeza for his perseverance and dedication; Eric Cruz for his enthusiasm for life; Emily Evers for her compassion and leadership, Jason Hernandez for his problem solving and curiosity; Lilian Pederson for her dedication to detail; Ulises Roque for his adaptability and open mindedness; Angelena Rue for being first to complete all her credits; Fernanda Salcido Llamas for her devotion and advocacy; Seth Silva for his quiet confidence; Jameson Slaughter for his activeness and grace; Lydia Trujillo for her empathy and willingness to lend a hand to others; Evelyn Villa Lopez for compassion; Gregory Watson for his initiative and leadership; and Margaret Williams for her resilience.
This year the students earned over 1,170 credits: that is 10.6 credits per student per each grading period. This success can be credited in part to parental support.
The students thanked the staff of Mountain High, as each had a direct impact on the students. The Mountain High School staff are Jeremy Montiel, Principal; Scott Whiteside, Teacher in Charge; Susan Williams, Teacher; Lisa Mills, Counselor; Elizabeth Harryman, Administrative Secretary; and Veronica Patron, Security.
All the school board members were in attendance at the ceremony to honor the graduates. School board president Cindy Gardner, clerk Bill Mellinger, and board members Jordana Ridland, Jordan Zarate and Scott Craft all were beaming with joy for the graduates.
Ken Williams, the proud father of Margaret Williams who won several scholarships for college, is delighted and thrilled to have his second child graduate from Rim schools (his son graduated from Rim High in 2021.)
Misty Rue, the mother of Angelena Rue, along with many family members including grandparents, was beaming with pride over Angelena being the first member of her class to complete all her credits this year. Her educational goal of becoming a dental hygienist is next.
Mountain High School since is supported by numerous organizations and non-profit groups on the mountain, including the Rim Community Scholarship Council, Mountain Sunrise Rotary, Lake Arrowhead Rotary, Soroptimist International of Rim of the World, Rim Family Services, Mountain Counseling and Training and the Rim Education Foundation.
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