Montecito High School Principal Melissa Marovich began the June 3 graduation ceremony by describing it as a “momentous occasion” and a time to celebrate a four-year journey of overcoming obstacles.
“For some graduates and parents it seemed like an eternity and for others it went by in the blink of an eye,” Marovich told the crowd gathered at Wilson Field.
The big question for the Class of 2025’s 66 graduates is: “What will they do now?,” she said.
Her answer – four are planning careers in the automotive/mechanics field; six in medical fields; three in education and child development careers; one future firefighter’ four will be entering the military, including one in the U.S. Coast Guard; one plans to enter the field of architectural design; nine will be entering the trades such as electrical, plumbing, engineering and construction; five will pursue cosmetology; one will specialize in culinary arts; two will work in real estate; three will become counselors, psychologists or social workers; 10 are planning careers in the arts such as film, music production and special effects; and a handful will be entering their family business or are undecided about their career goals.
Graduate Tyler Bowen, 18, said he’ll be studying aviation engineering through a U.S. Air Force trade school in Charlotte, N.C. with a goal to become an airplane mechanic or engineer.
“I’ve always been intrigued with planes,” Bowen said. “I thought it would be a good money-making opportunity and it would fulfill my dreams of getting out and doing something.”
Future Bound Independent Study graduates Parker Cooley, 18, and Savannah Vergara, 17, are planning careers as an esthetician and cosmetologist, respectively. Their classmate, Avery Hagler, 16, a junior graduating early, intends to enter a welding trades school.
“We’re so excited to get the show on the road,” Cooley said just before the ceremony.
During the ceremony for graduates of the Future Bound Independent Study and Ramona Adult Education programs, Marovich told the story of Socorro Cervantes, who wouldn’t give up on her dreams.
Cervantes initially graduated in Mexico, and after coming to the United States she raised a family. In 2019, she enrolled in Ramona Adult Education and stuck to her goal of getting a diploma through hardships, challenging math classes and the COVID pandemic with the of her future son-in-law.
“Last Wednesday Socorro ed her math test to earn her GED,” Marovich said. “There are many tears of happiness. Thank you for being an example of not giving up and persevering. My wonderful graduates — we are very proud of you. It’s never too late to chase your dreams.”
Audrey Seiver was one of several graduates who spoke at the ceremony. She said the milestone reflects 12 years of hard work and perseverance and a time to acknowledge not only academic achievements but personal growth.
Seiver said she attended Mountain Valley Academy and Ramona High School before turning to Montecito. Her family was planning to move across the country and she was concerned her credits might not transfer to a distant school.
The staff’s genuine care and concern made it the perfect fit for her, Seiver said. Instead of feeling like she was lost in the shuffle, she felt like a priority. By participating in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, she said she gained friendships, leadership skills and confidence.
Seiver encouraged her classmates to embrace their futures with “determination, resilience and optimism.”
“This moment is not just the end of one journey, but the beginning of another,” said Seiver, who plans to start Boot Camp in the U.S. Coast Guard soon.
