A feat of perseverance
Deirdre Newman
Daniel Recoder chose to attend Back Bay High School so he could
continue working 28 hours a week at Pet Center.
His work ethic paid off Thursday when he became one of 21 Back Bay
graduates to received their diplomas.
The 20-year-old donned a scarlet cap and gown for the graduation
ceremony at the Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center. His father
looked on proudly.
“Being his father, it’s great to know my son did it,” Miguel
Vasquez said.
Back Bay and Monte Vista -- alternative schools in the
Newport-Mesa Unified School District that share the same campus in
Costa Mesa -- are safe havens from the often turbulent world of high
school. Students who don’t feel comfortable or don’t succeed at
traditional high schools find refuge among the smaller classes,
individual attention and flexible academic programs at these two
schools.
For these students, graduation takes on a deeper significance than
at traditional high schools, Newport-Mesa Unified Trustee David
Brooks said.
“This is exciting because each one has a story and a struggle,”
Brooks said. “To see they’ve gotten through and have met all their
requirements, truly, they have earned it.”
Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Tim Starn shared his story of attending an
alternative high school after his mother’s death sent him reeling
when he was 14. He persevered academically and ended up achieving his
goal of becoming a police officer.
“Stay focused,” Starn urged. “Nobody will prevent you from your
goals except yourself. Set goals -- short-term and long-term.”
The ceremony allowed one student to show off his musical talent.
Aaron Danks, one of 54 Monte Vista High graduates, played a riveting
piece on his electric guitar. He will attend he Berklee School of
Music in Boston next year.
Recoder also took the initiative during the ceremony to read a
letter titled “Never Lose Hope” that he wrote thanking those who had
supported him in high school.
“[It thanked] people who have been around me and have been there
through my life the whole time, helping me make the right choice,”
Recoder said.
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