Lucerne Valley High School graduated 83 senior mustangs at Ron Peavy Field before they rode off into the sunset toward their futures.
Loved ones gathered to support their favorite senior during the commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 21.
During the ceremony, keynote speaker Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe said the graduates are now ready for just about anything.
‘Light the world on fire’
“You have a foundation to light the world on fire,” Rowe said. “In communities like ours, schools are more than buildings, teachers become mentors, role models, advisors, and trusted adults, reminding you that your work matters.”
Rowe told the class that they are ahead in so many ways that they have not even realized yet: “The grit, the perspective, the humility, and the work ethic. You have an understanding that many people will not learn until so much later in life.”
Prior to Rowe’s speech, Principal Jason Story welcomed attendees, and the Lucerne Valley Rangers presented the colors as the school band performed “The Star Spangled Banner.”
During the event, this year’s retirees, Vici Miller and Guillermo Betancourt, were recognized and given a round of applause for their years of service.
From hardships to success
Valedictorian Mikayla McCuistion told the class, “Today makes the foundation for our future. I’m overwhelmed with a sense of pride.”
McCuistion continued by thanking teachers, coaches and administrators, calling them “our backbone.”
She also thanked her family for being there for her, and added that “Life beyond the walls of the classroom will not always be a triumph. There will be days when you feel lost, when doubt creeps in and when you feel you are not enough.”
McCuistion told the class that there will be moments when the weight feels heavier than anything they’ve ever carried. “But remember this, by sitting here now, you’ve already gone through so much. We went through many hardships to get to where we are today.”
‘Infinite chances’ lay ahead
Salutatorian Kimberly Mondragon, who is president of the Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter and a two-sport athlete, told her classmates that through the good times and bad, the class of 2026 became better versions of themselves.
“Success does not always belong to the smartest person in the room,” Mondragon said. “Success belongs to the people who refuse to give up.”
Crystal Mustang Award winner Irvin Angeles, who had the third highest grade point average in her class, thanked his teachers, coaches and family.
“The truth is you can’t escape your own circumstances, but you can write your own way out … As long as we’re alive, we have infinite chances,” Angeles said.
Lucerne Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees President Jason Hansen said this class is special for many reasons. He noted that they are going into the world as the United States celebrates its 250th year.
“You are graduating in a very special year as our country prepares to turn 250 years old,” he said. “Two hundred and fifty years ago they weren’t worried about light-speed living. You are unique. You have the honor of launching our next 250 years.”
Hansen also commented on the graduates’ core qualities, adaptability, resilience, drive and grit.
“Grit is a combination of passion and perseverance, and it’s not just about sucking it out or being internally tough,” Hansen said. “It’s about sustaining that toughness despite failures, setbacks, and adversities. Or as you might say, having that dog in you.”
Assistant Principal Jessica Haecker and Office Manager Adriana Barajas presented the diplomas.
To close out the ceremony, Christian Barajas led his class in the traditional turning of the tassel before Principal Story gave final remarks.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Lucerne Valley High School graduates 83 seniors
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
