Moving on
Final graduation for Burton Horizon Academy
The mood at Burton Horizon Academy’s commencement last Friday night was a bit more bittersweet than other ceremonies that have taken place so far around Porterville this graduation season.
That’s because everyone at the school — not just the 28 graduating seniors — will be moving on to new schools and new adventures when it closes at the end of this academic year.
Burton School District made the difficult decision to close Horizon Academy earlier this year as a preemptive measure to comply with recent litigation against charter schools operating outside district boundaries.
“It’s just an odd experience closing a school, but when we got the news we really took it as an opportunity to go all out and make the most of it and that’s what we’ve done,” said BHA Principal Matt Mccracken. “In some ways I think we may have had an even better year as a result because everyone’s really bonded together.”
The graduates, men in black and women in yellow caps and gowns, took the stage while an enthusiastic crowd of around 150 people expressed their approval and support.
After the flag salute and a performance of “A Million Dreams” by the Horizon Academy choir, Mccracken acknowledged some of the highlights and achievements of the school’s last graduating class.
He then introduced valedictorian Hailey Perez, summarizing his thoughts on her accomplishments by quoting from a letter she received after being awarded the Bruce Cogswell Ward scholarship.
“This sentence is very accurate: ‘You have demonstrated determination and you will succeed in college pursuits,’” said Mccracken.
An emotional Perez dedicated a large part of her valedictory speech to praising Mccracken and the rest of the Horizon Academy staff for creating a safe and supporting environment for students to succeed.
“Every graduate and I are standing here today because we have an amazing principal, a secretary who cares and teachers who taught us right,” she said. “This isn’t just a school to us. It’s a home with a very diverse and unique group of individuals, and they have helped us reach our full potential. They hold a special place in my heart, and always will.”
During his final message to a Horizon Academy graduating class, Mccracken recognized each of his staff members individually and also the Burton school board for their contributions to the school. Then he reminded the graduates that the school will live on through their future endeavors.
“As we move forward on diverging paths, I hope you all take with you the best of the spirit, memories and blessings from Burton Horizon,” he said. “Remember that no matter where you go from here, the culture and community you created here resides within you. I’m grateful that we have been woven into the fabric of each other’s lives.”
Burton school board president Jay Rice then addressed the graduates and wished them well in their next steps, and encouraged the graduates to give their family and friends in attendance a round of applause for their support.
“Think of all of those who have supported you. As much as this is your achievement, this is also their achievement,” said Rice.
As the graduates were conferred their degrees, they returned to their seats on stage to participate in two final symbolic gestures as a class: upon Mccracken’s prompt they moved their tassels from the right side to the left side of their mortarboards, then collectively tossed them in the air upon the official announcement of their graduation.
“I’m excited. I’m proud of myself because I’ve gotten this far,” said Izaac Banuelos, who plans to get a job then go to school to become a firefighter. “I didn’t think I was going to graduate, but I had a supporting principal that helped me all the way through it. It’s been a cool school overall.”
When asked his thoughts on life after high school, Banuelos showed a maturity and perspective that is a testament to the work of the Burton Horizon staff.
“It’s a little scary, but I’m excited because it’ll be interesting and my life will change around,” said Banuelos. “People think that high school is normal life, but it becomes the real world after you graduate.”