McKenna graduates 25

As he stood looking out over the sea of faces, Larry Slade, administrator of Richard McKenna Charter High School, could not help but beam as graduation ceremonies got underway last week.

"This school started with only eight students, now we are filling an auditorium with families and friends" to honor and celebrate the achievements of the graduates of the class of 2005.

Unlike traditional graduations where only scholars earning the highest grades are selected to speak, McKenna offers the opportunity to any student wishing to address the graduates. This year four students stepped forward to express their thoughts.

Avery Brown noted it had been a long hard road to reach the graduation ceremonies. At one point, he explained, he did not even know if he would graduate. But the Richard McKenna School was nothing like what he had expected. He soon learned what a privilege his education was. He explained that while he took advantage of BYU's independent study program, it was Shirley Lectka's persistence that was the real reason "why I am here tonight." He explained that hardly a day would go by without her pushing him on to bigger and better things. "And now I am about to go to college!"

Brittany Farrens said that before she had started classes at Richard McKenna, she had lost all hope. She had thought of school as only a place to socialize. Now as she looks back, she realizes she has grown more than she could ever have imagined. She explained that our lives revolve on our habits, whether they be good or bad. She discovered her not to study habits were not going to get her through. She made a conscious effort to learn how to learn, to develop the self discipline and self sacrifice necessary to succeed. "I know now that it is worth it." She urged her fellow graduates to "remember who you are -- a Richard McKenna graduate and a scholar. It means a lot. It means everything."

Danny Williams urged his fellow classmates to never give up on a dream. "Graduation is a stepping stone to a dream." He explained that at one time his interests were all in math and his focus was on learning all he could. But as time went by, his interests changed. It was art that most appealed to him. Now he finds that his interests have changed again as he dreams of being a science teacher. While not everyone has the same dreams, everyone should strive to "live the dream," he said.

Justin McElroy said he was not the traditional high school student. But within a week of attending Richard McKenna, his opinion of education had changed. Although it had not always been easy, he now feels ready for the future.

Dr. Carolyn Mauer, principal, Rolling Hills Charter School, served as special guest speaker for the evening. She noted she could feel the energy of the class of 2005 and she was proud of the long way the students had come.

"You know the value of finishing something you start. You have done so much." She noted that education is a journey, not a destination. She encouraged the students to continue on with that journey, continue to learn.

"I know that you might have some fear. The world is a big, scary place. But embrace those fears. Don't let them paralyze you. Have a plan, set targets and goals. Be flexible, but don't lose sight of that target. You will make mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes. But don't let fear keep you from success.

"You have already shown phenomenal courage to come this far. It takes courage to go on and you will find that life requires lots of courage," she said. She encouraged the graduates to find their passion and follow it.

She noted that one of her favorite quotes came from Theodore Roosevelt, and she passed on the philosophy, "Live to learn and then you will learn to live."

Then amid the cheers, picture taking and applause, the first graduating class of Richard McKenna Charter High School received their diplomas.

The Class of 2005 included: Justin L. Barajas, Aaron P. Blahus, Dustin M. Boliver, Avery C. Brown, Briana D. Crisman, Brittany S. Farrens, Benjamin T. Gatlin, Michael J. Guthrie, Alonso B. Hernandez, Ricardo M. Lopez, Michael H. Macomber, Justin E. McElroy, Robert R. Meksch, Athina L. Moya, Jennifer M. Remington, Gerardo I. Rojas, Stephanie A. Sable, Jairo N. Salas, Benjamin J. Snider, Jeffrey D. Upchurch, Meagan K. Ward, Danny R. Williams, Oliver K. Williams and Shawn J. Yetzer.