La Cuesta and Alta Vista graduate together
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-More than 70 La Cuesta Continuation High School and Alta Vista Alternative High School students graduated together on Tuesday.
The ceremony took place in the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens.
Some historians use the singular name Sunken Garden.
Either way, it was a day to celebrate students crossing their graduation finish line.
Savannah Arcuri said panic attacks almost got in the way.
The 18-year-old transferred from Santa Barbara High School to Alta Vista's Flex Program.
"I feel really good. I'm really excited to get this done with because I didn't think I was going to graduate. I thought I was going to just drop out and work, so to do this is just, oh my God!"
She hopes to take a break and then study at Santa Barbara City College.
Merwan Yettou, 17, said he is excited for all his Alta Vista classmates.
"I am excited for everyone's future and I'm excited for what I have coming in the future--a load of emotions, overwhelming, but you have to push through, step-by-step."
Yettou is planning a career in the automotive industry and plans to go to Santa Barbara City College next.
He said he would like to look into the The Community Hot Rod Project for support.
Parents brought their grads flowers, money leis, and bouquets.
Student speakers included Gianna M. and Kyle S.
Kyle said he lost his father to a heart attack, and felt like his dad somehow helped him finish his high school education.
Gianna talked about the impacts of COVID and how students had to persevere.
Principal Sonia Amaral said she hoped the graduates would set a good example for others.
Students placed their mortarboard tassels to the right at the beginning of the ceremony and then turned them to the left at the end of the ceremony.
It is a big day for their parents, guardians, and mentors, too.
For more information visit www.sbunified.org.
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