The expression “good things come in small packages” is a great way of explaining the class of 2004 at Anzar High School. The students in the small senior class of 47 didn’t have the big-school experiences of huge pep rallies and crowded proms. But with help from their teachers and classmates, 100 percent of them are going on to college.
“Everyone helps and motivates each other here,” said senior Elsa Vallejo, who will attend the Fashion Institute and Design Merchandising. “If someone said they weren’t going to college, people would be like ‘what? Why not?'”
Vallejo said the students that attended the school just off route 129 from San Juan Bautista and Aromas helped each other with the application process. Principal Charlene McKowen said all students are offered the same information.
“They were all given the same information about scholarships and admission deadlines,” she said.
The senior class held a meeting every Monday of the school year where they were told about scholarships and different colleges and majors. One of the reasons most of these students said they’ve succeeded is because of support from their classmates and the small-school environment.
“I was talking to my friend who goes to San Benito High and she said she still sees new faces everyday in her classes,” Vallejo said. “That’s something that doesn’t happen here. We’ve all known each other since grade school.”
Knowing she’ll be in a new environment with old friends and classmates makes it a bit easier to leave her family and small town life, said Alex Hennager, who will be part of a group of Anzar Hawks flying to Sonoma State.
“It makes it a little less nerve wracking,” she said.
Anzar students are so motivated because the school is so small, graduating senior Leanna Hardy said.
“Because the school and our communities are so small, it really motivates us as students to go out and see the rest of the world,” she said.
Along with their classmates and the individual attention they get at a small school, many students praised their teachers for their academic success.
“Our teachers are really supportive and more like friends,” Senior Jennifer Wiley, who will begin classes at California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo this fall, said.
The dedication of the teachers in and out of class contributed to the students excitement about learning, Brittney Schmidt said.
“Mr. Wardlaw is the best,” she said as other students agreed and nodded their heads. “He would even drive out and meet up at the Aromas Cafe just to help up study.”
The 47 seniors will receive their diplomas Wednesday, June 16 at 5 p.m. at Anzar High School.
