27 students graduate from McKenna

High school graduation is a day that lives in the memory of every teen. On Saturday, 27 students graduated from Richard McKenna Charter High School.

The Nazarene Church was packed to the rafters with students' family and friends watching with pride.

The ceremony was unlike a traditional graduation ceremony, which normally has a keynote speaker. Instead, several members of the graduating class volunteered to give poignant speeches about their time at Richard McKenna.

School founder Larry Slade took time at the beginning of the ceremony to thank Chairman Bob Roberts and his staff for all their hard work. Slade also asked the graduates to give a resounding round of applause to their teachers and family members in the audience.

"This day is a right of passage for students and to recognize what they've been doing," said Slade.

Slade recognized the undergraduates who gave strong support to the graduating class. "We appreciate you guys and all that you do."

Slade then opened the floor to the eight volunteer speakers.

Joshua Deschene talked about what it felt like to be graduating.

"When you actually make it to this moment you know you didn't take the easy way out, you worked hard for this moment and it paid off."

Tracie Dunham used an artistic theme with her speech.

"Let your life be a canvas, make a goal and don't let anything get in your way of achieving it. If you make a mistake just remember to continue working on your piece. Sometimes the outcome is better than you expected."

Sijifredo Juarez, who appeared nervous, and admitted that giving the speech was a first, thanked all of his teachers and Slade.

"I don't know whether to be happy or sad because if you look back and reminisce it was fun, even though the staff was hard on us from the beginning, but they were tough on us because they care," Juarez said about his times at Richard McKenna.

Elizabeth Rarick talked about how high school was an obstacle that she had to overcome in pursuing her dream to become a cosmetologist.

"I think most of us have had our dreams stalled or altered at one point in time and that is how we came to be a part of Richard McKenna."

Rarick also recognized teacher Jose Madarieta. On her first day at Richard McKenna, Madarieta referred to Rarick as the "girl that drinks the Bruneau water." Rarick learned that Madarieta also drank the Bruneau water.

"I think he became a man of great respect and understanding. I knew if he could become such an inspiring teacher with a wonderful family after drinking the Bruneau water then I could also overcome my obstacles and follow my dreams as well," said Rarick.

Shannon Staggs discussed how much she learned about respect and responsibility while at Richard McKenna, also recognizing her teachers and the school as a whole.

"Thank you for giving me the experience and knowledge that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for showing me that there are people who care about others in this world and how to become one of them myself."

Steven Gomez recognized two individuals who helped make his graduation possible, -- his grandparents, Cliff and Diane Dunda. Gomez, who dropped out half way through his junior year, thinking he wouldn't graduate, was enrolled into Richard McKenna by his grandparents.

"I got a second chance. I took full advantage of it and worked harder than I ever had before and actually graduated early."

Gretchen Perkins discussed what McKenna School meant to her.

"McKenna school is unique, because it gave us all a second chance," she said.

Perkins also gave advice to the undergraduates.

"Don't be afraid to ask for help, asking for help goes a long way."

Erica Snoey addressed how she overcame her struggle to gain social acceptance when she first arrived at Richard McKenna.

Snoey concluded her speech by leaving the viewing audience with a bit of advice.

"Each and every one of us has a long, hard road ahead of us. As long as we take one step at a time, keep our goals in mind, then eventually we will reach our ultimate decision."

The most heartfelt speech, which left some of the audience, faculty and even her fellow graduates in tears, was from Grabriela Estrella.

"I may not be the perfect person, who is, I mean we all make mistakes right, but something I am is determined, determined to take that path towards success," said Estrella.

Estrella talked about her plans for the future in wanting to become a professional cellist and how to all the doubters of her hopes and dreams, Estrella would say:

"Somehow, some way, I'm going to make it and you will see me at the top with my cello beside me."

Estrella talked about all those who have inspired her over the years, including her family members and the staff of Richard McKenna, who gave her the opportunity to be a part of the school.

"I realized, hey, there are other people other than family who care."

Following the speeches, the students were awarded with their hard-earned diplomas.

Slade told the audience about the new building being constructed for the school, which is expected to be completed in December.

"It's been a lot of years, and it's rewarding to be at this point."

Slade also recognized students for acquiring various scholarships.

Dunham and Snoey were accepted to the College of Southern Idaho. Rarick was accepted to the Paul Mitchell school of cosmetology. Perkins was accepted to Idaho State University. Estrella was accepted to Treasure Valley Community College.

The ceremony concluded with a warm, heartfelt speech by Madarieta.

"We're all truly proud of this year's graduating class," said Slade about the students.

"This ceremony went very well. Today was a rite of passage for these graduates. I am proud to be associated with these fine kids, and to be associated with them for the next 100 years," said Madarieta.