Mountain View High School graduated four students, each with stories of determination and perseverance to tell, during its Winter 2021 Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, December 15th.
With proud family members in attendance, Lesly Apolinar, Gavin Dibble, Tabbatha Kerestessy and Javier Rodriguez Silva each received their diplomas from Superintendent Peter Livingston, who applauded them for working hard and sticking to it.
“Well done,” Mr. Livingston said. “Great work!”
Before turning their tassels, Mountain View Principal Designee Victoria Kessler presented the class and Mr. Livingston welcomed the graduates and guests and accepted the graduates. Lori Herriman, a Mountain View educational assistant, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jessica Risler, who was named president of the Lucerne Valley USD's Board of Trustees later that night, also helped to present the Winter 2021 graduating class.
Also in attendance were Assistant Superintendent Nate Lambdin, special education teacher Jessica Haecker, lead special education teacher Vici Miller, lead custodian Denise Quesenberry, and English teacher Linda Schlenz and her husband, Pastor Gary Schlenz.
Instead of hearing a speech from an administrator, Ms. Kessler said the graduates would share their own stories of how they endured and graduated high school.
“I was very behind on my credits,” said Tabbatha Kerestessy. With the support of friends and family, Tabbatha stuck to it and attained the special achievement of earning her high school diploma. Besides working a parttime job, she is currently working toward going to college. She thanked Ms. Kessler, her mom, dad, sisters, cousin and aunt.
“I’m proud of graduating,” said graduate Gavin Dibble. “I’m proud of everyone who has graduated. I’m looking forward for what’s in store for you.”
An emotional Lesly Apolinar thanked the Mountain View teachers and her family for their support, especially her cousin and his wife. “They’ve been so supportive of me.”
Graduate Javier Rodriguez Silva said that while at Mountain View High School he could imagine his life unfolding before him. “As I mature I realized my actions influence my future every day,” Javier said. “My goal was to graduate and do a new thing.” Now a high school graduate, he now looks forward to college.
Javier also credited his family for their encouragement, and as a result his direction never varied. “I never went left or right, always straight.” However, he added, “I always wanted to drop out, but I felt too much pressure.”
Ms. Kessler is especially proud of what the graduates accomplished. “This is really an amazing group of students,” she said. “You’re going to be able to do whatever you want. You’re going to make the world better.”
Following the graduation ceremony, graduates and guests were treated to a special graduation cake made up of individual cupcakes.
PHOTOS (photos by Peter Day):
#1 Mountain View High School Winter 20211 graduates: (from left) Lesly Apolinar, Gavin Dibble, Tabbatha Kerestessy, and Javier Rodriguez Silva.
#2 LVUSD Superintendent Peter Livingston addresses the graduates and their families.
#3 Mountain View High School Principal Designee Victoria Kessler, right, presents the class as School Board President Jessica Risler, left, looks on.