SCCA takes first steps to the rest of their lives

As “Pomp and Circumstance” was played by the Summit Charter Collegiate Academy Concert Band, the school’s instructors led the way into the SCCA Athletic and Performing Arts Complex from both sides of the building.

The school’s Class of 2012, dressed in dark green caps and gowns, followed, smiling and waving, as loud cheers and applause spread through the packed gymnasium.

With Shane Hernandez, student body president, serving as master of ceremonies, the program began with acknowledgements and introductions of guests and trustees, the singing of the National Anthem by student Jocelyne Ortiz, and a welcome in English and Spanish by Ariel White and Sandra Leon.

White and Leon wiped at tears, finding it hard to speak as they both talked about saying goodbye.

Liliana Lopez approached the microphone next.

Lopez reminisced about her first day at SCCA, calling the experience great and praising her teachers, counselors and principals. She also talked about missing her friends, who she referred to as family, after graduation.

“Together, we have been through all the gains and all the losses, all the pain and joy. We have cried together, laughed together, celebrated with one another, supported each other, and loved each other,” she said. “Every moment we shared at this school was meant to stay with us forever in time and future.”

As the program continued, Principal Steve Beecher introduced the class valedictorians — Seth Serdynski, Mitchell Perigo, Kristen Olson, and salutatorian Maeghan Pershall — sharing a few words about each one of them as they stood.

The program continued with another student speaker, Bryanna Worrall.

“In the end, all that matters is we accomplished a goal that we worked hard for,” she said during her speech. “We finished the first step to the rest of our lives.”

After speaking about high school experiences and goals in life, Worrall ended by saying it’s time to work hard, set goals and reach dreams.

“Never give up. Keep trying and keep prospering. Don’t have regrets. It’s OK to take risks,” she said. “Live your life. Don’t watch it go by. Some see graduation as an ending. This is just the beginning.”

Also during the ceremony, three scholarships were awarded to Shane Hernandez, James Sherrill and Cody Douglas.

Following the recognition of other scholarship recipients during the school’s scholarship night, and a review of the Class of 2012 by Alison Gutierrez, Beecher offered a certification of the Class of 2012 before Summit Charter Academy Board of Directors and Burton Board of Trustees presented diplomas.

Contact Esther Avila at 784-5000, Ext. 1045. Follow her on Twitter @Avila_recorder.