Hollister
– Cristine Irish never thought she would graduate from high
school.
Hollister – Cristine Irish never thought she would graduate from high school.
Neither did Carlos Mayo or Justin Lucas, or most of the students who were honored as the Pinnacles Community School graduating class of 2007.
“I never thought I’d be here, but I’m proud to be,” 17-year-old Lucas said.
Lucas was among 12 students who graduated from Pinnacles School this year. The students received their diplomas or certificates of completion in front of a small group of their families, friends and teachers during Wednesday morning’s ceremony.
The Pinnacles graduation marks an important step for the seniors, many of whom at one time had no hope in the public education system.
Students at the school, which has a student body of just more than 50, are enrolled after being expelled from other San Benito County schools or serving time in juvenile hall.
“These young people have traveled an incredible path to get here,” said Mike Sanchez, alternative programs director.
Sanchez spoke of the fact that he had worked with many of the students while they were in juvenile hall or on probation.
“Through it all, what I’m most impressed with is the fact that nobody gave up,” he said.
The sheer determination it took to arrive at graduation day was echoed by the students.
“I’m proud knowing that I’m not alone,” Mayo said. “This shows that even though you took some wrong roads, you can always get on track.”
While the rest of his classmates were dressed in white graduation robes and caps, Mayo was dressed in his army uniform. He will leave for National Guard duty in early July.
His mother, Cecilia Rios, said that although she worries about him going to Iraq, she is happy to see how far he has come in his life.
“I’m so proud of him,” Rios said. “God’s in control of his life now.”
The school’s administrators also honored Daniel Gallegos, a Pinnacles student who was killed last year in what police believe was a gang-related murder. Gallegos’ brother accepted the award on his behalf, thanking the staff and shaking the hands of several of his classmates.
During the ceremony, which also honored the nine eighth-grade graduates, two students spoke about their journey to graduation.
Besides thanking her mother and her family, graduation speaker Irish thanked two individuals from the probation department.
“Though I hated you guys at times, I guess I like you,” Irish said, laughing.
Irish plans to attend Gavilan College next year, where one of her goals is to become a probation officer.
Mayo also addressed his friends, family and classmates, speaking with pride about their accomplishments.
“This is like the last-chance school here, and we did what we had to do,” Mayo said. “We did it.”
