Two students were graduated from Mountain View High School in Lucerne Valley during the 24th annual spring commencement ceremony at the alternative education school on Thursday, May 30.
The two graduates from the high school are Jaqueline Andrade and Sekyiwa Marie Elaine Anderson.
District superintendent Peter Livingston, who also serves as principal of the school, accepted the Class of 2019 and presented the diplomas. Jonnie Ross is the alternative education assistant. MVHS teacher and administrative designee Victoria Kessler was a featured speaker before presenting the class. Here is Ms. Kessler’s address:
“I want you to know that the future is in your hands. This is why: We are here today, on the edge of your future. It is no longer a distant reality, it begins here now.
“You began high school as children and leave as adults. You have completed the basic education that will serve as the platform you will use to launch yourselves into your futures. You may go to college or straight into the work force, but both of you will travel your own path. Find a path that suits you and travel it with pride and know that you are ready.
“No matter where you go or what you do, there will be challenges. I ask you to meet those challenges straight on with you head held high and your heart wide open. It is not enough to simply get by in life. That won’t move you forward. You must do your best to excel in every task. Large or small.
“Although it may not be easy to see, every accomplishment you achieve is added to the world’s accomplishments. Your success benefits society as a whole because when you succeed, you lighten the burden on the rest of the world. When you succeed, you are in a position to give rather than take.
“Imagine if a quarter of the people out there worked to make their lives successful. The world would be a pretty great place based just on the amazing contributions they would make. So, what if half of the people in the world lived up to their own potential. The world would be that much more awesome! Think of all of the positive changes we would see. Now. What if….What if every individual lived up to his or her own potential? Think about how amazing that would be and how much better off the world would be.
“You may not have the power to inspire the entire world to strive for success, but you do have the power to inspire yourself. My challenge to you is, do all that you can to reach your full potential. If each of us in this room tonight does that, imagine the effect that would have on the lives of those who surround you. The future is in your hands. Make the most of it!”
LVUSD Board of Trustees are Jim Harvey (president), Tom Courtney (vice-president), Ruben Medina (clerk), Chelsea LaGrange (member) and Jessica Risler (member).
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PHOTOS BY DOUG BEATON