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.