SCCA Class of 2018
85% graduate with college credits
For many of the 67 seniors clad in emerald green caps and gowns in Summit Charter Collegiate Academy’s gymnasium, Wednesday night’s graduation ceremony will not be the last time they will wear such attire in recognition of their academic achievements.
And for two enterprising SCCA seniors who already graduated from Porterville College with an Associate Degree earlier this month, it wasn’t the first.
Hundreds of people filled the bleachers and gym floor to support the SCCA class of 2018, and as the graduates were preceded into the gym by faculty wearing black robes and stoles of multiple colors signifying their areas of study, the proceedings felt less like a high school graduation and more like a baccalaureate ceremony at a four-year university.
“High school is only the beginning, as we have so much left to explore and see,” said Senior of the Year Jesus Hernandez, the first of the evening’s several student speakers. “But life is a puzzle, and we’ve only just begun to put the pieces together.”
SCCA Principal Jorge Ramos presented medals to valedictorian Solomon Denning and salutatorian Dylan Benander, then Benander gave his salutatorian speech, which he concluded with a pragmatic challenge to his fellow graduates.
“The United States government, Burton School District, your families, your friends, your community and God Himself have all invested in you up to this point,” said Benander. “By accepting this diploma you are promising to be a good return on their investment. I know you are all capable of giving our investors their money’s worth — now it’s time to go out and do it.”
Ramos and SCCA counselor Danielle Aguilar then recognized outstanding seniors in a variety of academic categories: Taylor Penn for English/ Language Arts, Katrina Rogers for Mathematics, Aimee Cauwet in Science, Benander in Humanities, Frankie Arcos in Performing Arts, Shae Rush was recognized with the Summit Award, and Hannah Bertoldo was recognized for her leadership.
Seven students were recognized with the Seal of Biliteracy, and eight more were acknowledged for earning the Golden State Merit Seal.
Aguilar explained the significance of the tassels worn by the graduates: green if they have been a part of Summit Charter Academy since ninth grade, silver since seventh grade, and gold if they have been part of Burton’s Summit Charter Academy since kindergarten.
She also pointed out that 85% of this year’s graduates were wearing red tassels, signifying they were graduating with college credits earned from Porterville College.
Lastly, Hernandez and Taylor Ruffa were recognized for earning their Associate Degree from Porterville College prior to graduating from SCCA through their hard work in the school’s College Express Pathway.
Burton School Board President Jay Rice and Charter Board Chairman Randy Daniel also shared their thoughts with graduates and the audience during the ceremony. Daniel reminded grads that despite achievements and accolades, much of the life that awaits them is about people and relationships.
“Your parents are proud of you tonight, not just for what you have done, but for who you are,” said Daniel. “No matter what is next for you in your life, my challenge is that you would be good people. My challenge is that you would be a good ‘who’— the ‘what’ will come, whatever it is, but be a good ‘who.’”
After the diplomas had been presented and the ceremony concluded, graduates mingled into the audience to celebrate with friends and family.
“It’s been a long journey to get here, but it’s definitely worth it,” said Yelitza Mendoza, whose next step will be Porterville College. “I’m not too sure yet what life will hold, but I’m trying to learn how to drive so I can get a job and earn money for college, so as of right now that’s it.”
Sowsan Saleh, who plans to attend PC and then Fresno State for their pediatric nursing program, had nothing but positive thoughts on her time at SCCA.
“It’s been a pleasure. I’m super happy for myself and my peers. They’ve shown tremendous commitment and dedication and I think that’s very important because it establishes our growth,” said Saleh. “The teaching staff, the office staff and the district itself have been really supportive, and honestly I would do it all over again.”