Continuation school is just that … the opportunity for students to continue their high school education, student that may have had some struggles with grades, credits, attendance or other issues at a regular high school. The 2017 graduating class at Adelante Continuation High School have received their diplomas, moved their tassels and will be heading straight for a new chapter in their lives.
The Commencement ceremony occurred on Thursday, May 25 at the Ray Fauria Gym on the Riverbank High School campus. There were 34 students that graduated that evening and Adelante faculty members Elizabeth Medeiros, Fred Wood, Kristi Santos, and Melody Tennis, teacher in charge Amber Ryan, Riverbank Unified School District (RUSD) Superintendent Dr. Daryl Camp, the school board of trustees President Suzanne Dean, clerk Ana Vigil, members Elizabeth Meza, Susan Taylor, and Ernest Velasco, family and friends were all there to applaud their accomplishments.
Adelante High School (AHS) Principal Rebecca Evans began the ceremony by introducing all the staff and thanking all the families for their support. Riverbank High School NJROTC presented the colors and Luis Velasco led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AHS counselor Norma Ramirez introduced the Valedictorian Jacob Feenstra and Salutatorian Chico Franco.
“The staff at Adelante has shown us kindness, patience, and friendship,” stated Feenstra in his speech to the guests. “They have helped us resolve issues and take responsibility for our own education. With childhood behind us and adulthood before us this is our time to contribute and make a difference in our community and even our world.”
He also thanked Evans, Ryan, Administrative Assistant Teresa Manriquez and campus monitor Adolfo Martinez for keeping the students accountable and on track allowing the teachers to focus on their education.
“To Ms. Ramirez, thank you for watching over us and being our advocate,” added Feenstra. “To our teachers Mr. Wood, Ms. Santos, Mrs. Medeiros, and Mrs. Tennis thank you for not giving up on us. You always set the bar high because you believed in us. For that we will be forever grateful.”
Santos gave a speech to the graduates urging them to have a plan and to set goals.
“Graduates we have total faith in you,” stated Santos. “Set your goals, find your happiness, make this world a better place and remember, help others just as you have been helped along the way.”
The graduates received their diplomas and Franco led the students in the moving of the tassels; a graduation tradition. Dr. Camp has his own tradition with the students in the district where he has those students sporting a bow tie stand to be recognized.
Dr. Camp accepted the Adelante Class of 2017 and gave them a few words of encouragement.
“For the class of 2017 I am proud to say that you are now ready to move Adelante in your journey in life,” stated Camp. “We won’t give up on you; in fact, we will be cheering you on from here. We want you to succeed. We need you to succeed. We are all behind you.”
The graduates then made their way to the back of the gym and tossed their caps in the air in celebration.
