Earning the title of graduate

Mary A. Castillo

Coast High School’s 62 graduates accepted their diplomas with a deep

appreciation.

Students from the independent study high school graduated in a joint

ceremony with students of Valley Vista High School, another alternative

high school. These were students who had encountered personal obstacles

that nearly kept them from graduating high school. The common theme to

many of their personal stories was that they toughed it out and ended up

on top.

“The teachers here inspired me,” said Miguel Lagnas, 19, a Valley

Vista student from Huntington Beach.

Although he fell into a bad crowd at his former high school, he

admitted that he had been scared straight when he realized he might not

graduate. Eager for his diploma, he planned to attend Santa Ana College

and later transfer to a four-year university for a degree in electrical

engineering.

“These students had to start again and work on their own,” said Kerry

Clitheroe, vice principal of Coast. “They all became very responsible for

their own learning and they made a personal decision to succeed.”

The proud graduates smiled for the pictures taken by even prouder

family members and friends. As the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance”

began to play, tears threatened to fall for many.

Nicole Wurzell, 18, wasn’t crying as she stood in line. She completed

her credits for graduation after she was hit by a drunk driver.

“It’s wonderful to be here,” she said, readjusting her mortar. “After

this I’m going to transfer to UC Berkeley and eventually I’m going to be

a judge.”

Wendy Aguilera, 17, was proud of her accomplishment because she found

a way to juggle school work with the responsibilities of being a mom.

“I’m going into the police academy next year,” she said.

Valley Vista students were the first to march down the center aisle.

Names were shouted over the music and beaming graduates waved to people

in the audience.

Waiting her turn in the Valley Vista line, Saliha Aminy, 18, of

Huntington Beach was excited even though her parents weren’t in the

audience. She credited her friends for keeping her motivated, while the

accomplishment was entirely her own.

“I’m the first girl to graduate from my family,” said Aminy. “I’m

really proud of myself. If I can do this, I can do anything.”

When the last Valley Vista graduates stepped forward, the Coast High

grads grew visibly nervous. Some people remembered to adjust their

tassels, others ran hands over already ironed blue gowns.

Aaron Cirilo, 18, stepped forward ready to get the diploma he worked

hard for.

“I worked full time and still finished,” he said. “It was tough.”

But like all of his fellow graduates, the struggle was worth it.

* MARY A. CASTILLO is a news assistant with Times Community News. She

can be reached at (714) 965-7177 or by e-mail at o7

mary.castillo@latimes.com

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