MHS celebrates college-bound seniors Reaching higher
For the 71 Marauder seniors who have committed to going to a fouryear university next fall, Tuesday was a day to be recognized for years of hard work and to celebrate the promise of the future at Monache High School’s first annual College Signing Day.
The event was inspired by the Reach Higher Initiative, former First Lady Michelle Obama’s effort to inspire every student in the U.S. to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university.
Every year around May 2, thousands of schools and organizations around the country hold College Signing Day events, but Tuesday’s event was the first in Porterville, and it was all about the Marauders who are moving on to new heights in their education at a four-year university.
The college-bound seniors, most wearing apparel from their school of choice, were joined in the MHS cafeteria by PUSD board members and administrators, and dozens of proud Monache teachers and parents.
The room was appropriately decorated for the occasion with blue and gold balloons and pennants from the universities that the graduates will call home next fall.
“We are extremely excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our students here today,” said MHS Principal Eric Barba during his welcome comments. “We are so proud that our students have demonstrated the determination, dedication, and hard work to be eligible to attend a four-year university in the fall.”
Barba then listed the 22 universities that Marauders would be attending next fall: 11 Cal State Universities, six UC schools, two private colleges in California and three private and public schools outside of California.
The most popular university choices for 2018 MHS graduates were San Francisco State with four commitments, Stanislaus State with five, Cal State Bakersfield with six, and Fresno State with 24.
The guest speaker for the occasion was Porterville architect and Tulare County District Five Supervisor candidate Dennis Townsend, who graduated from Monache in 1979.
He shared his memories of growing up in Porterville and recalled key moments, both good and bad, during his time as a Marauder.
“I stood right here in this spot in a very little bathing suit for a bodybuilding competition we held on campus,” said Townsend from a podium on the cafeteria stage. “It was another one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, especially since I was standing next to my good buddy Bill, who looked like a Greek statue.”
Townsend encouraged the seniors to savor their MHS memories for awhile, but also to remember that their high school experience has been merely a warm-up for the upcoming adventure.
“You can actually live in the past and it will handicap you for the rest of your life,” said Townsend. “We are excited for you because this the beginning of a wonderful new era in your lives. Your life, your future, your family, your greatest moments-they’re out there, outside these walls. Keep moving forward and don’t ever stop.”
After Townsend’s comments, Kenneth Moore, MHS dean of counseling and organizer of the event, took the podium to announce each college-bound senior by name and share their college of choice and future plans as they accepted a certificate of recognition from Vice Principal Tammy Keith.
The seniors took a group picture on stage, and then dispersed for more intimate photo opportunities in front of festive decorations with family and friends. In each case, smiles were big and genuine and faces were bright with pride and accomplishment.
“It’s a fantastic event. What a great group of students,” said PUSD Board Member Lillian Durbin. “I hope this type of event catches on with other schools in our area.”