‘Find the exceptional in every moment’

By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Editor

 

As the 243 members of the Class of 2025 of Rim of the World High School and Rim Virtual Academy processed onto Townsend Memorial Field, parents and friends couldn’t help but notice the variety of stoles the students were sporting. From traditional National Honor Society and AVID stoles to colorful personalized ones – and even a couple made of Happy Meal boxes – the students celebrated their accomplishments.

As Principal Brian Willemse welcomed the soon-to-be graduates, the school’s staff and the guests, he quoted Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

“We often fail to recognize the exceptional nature of so many things in our lives,” Willemse said. “I encourage you to find all the exceptional in every moment of every day.”

He then recognized two students with special awards.

The first student, Willemse said, will be a first-generation college student, attending Riverside Community College. “He is an athlete, a scholar, a kind student. We asked the teachers to name students who have shown determination every day. He has shown improvement beyond admirable. He overcame obstacles with a smile.”

With that, Willemse presented the Rim PRIDE (Positive Ready Involved Determined Excellent) award to Luis Mier, placing a special stole around his neck.

Willemse was then joined by Iris Gutierrez from Assemblyman Tom Lackey’s office to present his Champions award to a student who has overcome significant obstacles in pursuit of their diploma.

This student, Willemse said, “brings joy to everyone. She has a 3.59 GPA and has excelled in the performing arts. She always has a smile on her face. She has overcome obstacles with grace.”

The Champion award went to Sierra Wilson.

Willemse then asked those graduates planning to enter the miliary to stand, then those going to a four-year college or university, those attending a two-year technical or trade school and those using the skills they learned at Rim in the workforce.

“I feel pretty confident about the students we are sending out into the community,” he said.

This year two students were named salutatorians and two valedictorians of the Class of 2025.

“Four years ago,” said salutatorian Reilly Simons, “graduation seemed like a distant event.” She thanked her parents and her late aunt, whose memory she said continues to guide her.

Reilly quoted Emily Dickinson on hope: Hope is the thing with feathers/That perches in the soul/And sings the tune without the words/And never stops – at all.

“Even in the face of adversity,” Reilly said, “we have the power to move forward with purpose. I hope each and every one of you goes on to accomplish your goals.” She will be attending USC, majoring in journalism.

Salutatorian Ali Holtzen – who will attend Cal Poly Pomona, majoring in animal science – thanked Mr. Williams for sparking her interest in becoming a veterinarian.

“It’s crazy to think we may never see each other again,” Ali said. “We should not necessarily be disappointed but grateful we got to know each other and then continue our journey. I want everyone to take their own risks. Finding your own path may mean unexpectedly changing it. Go run after your dreams.”

Valedictorian Ava Holtzen will also attend Cal Poly Pomona, majoring in mechanical engineering. Like her twin, she ran cross country and track at Rim High; both girls thanked their coach, Jose Lara, for giving them confidence. “He kept me on my feet when I felt stressed,” Ava said.

“We have faced power outages and snowstorms but we’re here today,” Ava said. “We have shown passion and perseverance. Reflect on what you have achieved. Achieve those dreams.”

Valedictorian Shelby Gross will be attending UCLA, majoring in environmental science. She thanked her mother for teaching her to be confident and kind and her father for teaching her to have his strength.

“I am sharing this honor with the three exceptional young women who spoke before me,” Shelby said. Looking out at her fellow graduates, she said, “I see faces I grew up with – motivated artists, dancers, snowboarders. Most of all I see potential.”

She quoted Mark Twain: “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never. happened.”

“We must give ourselves grace and worry less,” Shelby said. “We waste time worrying about what could go wrong. We must take the opportunity to explore other places – think of all the fantastic adventures that lie ahead of us.”

Shelby’s final advice: “Never doubt yourself, stress less, get out there and just live.”

Prior to accepting the Class of 2025, Superintendent Dr. Paul Sevillano told the graduates that “this rite of passage is the beginning of your journey. As you celebrate this milestone, keep in mind you did not get here alone. Your success shows the power of our community. You have learned the value of teamwork and strength that comes from supporting one another.

“As you prepare to leave this familiar environment, think about how you can use your talent and knowledge to make a positive impact on others. Find ways to contribute to your community. True success is not measured by personal achievements alone but by the positive influence you have on others. Stand up for what is right. Your actions have the power to create ripples of possible change.”

The time had then come for the senior class advisors, Kristil Cobb and JoAnn Mazochia, to award the graduating seniors with their diplomas. As each student’s name was called, there was a great deal of hooting and hollering from the bleachers as well as confetti and gold streamers that were shot off.

The new graduates then turned their tassels and recessed to music played by the Rim High band, which had also played the “Star-Spangled Banner” and Rim’s alma mater.

The Alpine Mountaineer congratulates the graduates and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.