55 alternative ed graduates honored

The largest alternative education class ever graduated

from the Yosemite Joint Union High School District June 13.

 

Fifty-five students graduated from six schools.

 

The highlight of the evening was the conferring of an honorary diploma on Clarence Eugene Switzer, an 87-year-old Coarsegold resident, by the Yosemite Adult High School.

He was given a standing ovation by the standing-room only audience at the Mountain Christian Center.

Fourteen scholarships were awarded to the graduates.

Recipients were: Oakhurst Elementary School Scholarship and Billy Vukovich III Memorial Scholarship, Jenee Christine Vaccaro; El Capitan Foundation (scholarships to be used at the Oakhurst Center of State Center Community College District), Gennifer Knickerbocker, Kristina Torres, Katrina Coleman, Casey Woolem, Martin Arce, Patricia Arce and Sara Boardman;

Murray Hammerling Memorial, Jamie Ashton; Positive Living Center Ruth Ross Memorial, Jillian Lotz; Sierra Sunrise Rotary Club, Jamie Ashton; Werner Family Community Award, Jamie Ashton and Staff Award, Kristina Torres.

Student speakers were Kristina Torres, Robert Protzman and Jamie Ashton, all graduates of Ahwahnee High School. Miss Torres said Ahwahnee was the best high school possible.

Special music was provided by Amy Scott with two vocals, Sam Gramajo on the violin and John Christofferson on the flute. They were accompanied by Jackie Byers on the piano. She also played the processional and recessional.

Brenna Neely, AHS teacher, was given special recognition for being named the Yosemite Joint Union High School District Teacher of the Year.

 

Alternative Education Principal Curt Camp­bell presented the graduates. They were:

 

Ahwahnee High School: Jamie Ashton, Collin Guizar, Carolyn Huffstutler, Gennifer Knickerbocker, Kelly McCoy, Robert Protzman III, Kristina Torres and Kristen Woolem.

 

Foothill High School: Crystal Niell and Nicole Zuelke.

 

Evergreen High School: Larry Barton, Matthew Borland, Katrina Coleman, Matt Franklin, Darcy Jordan, Sara Kyllonen, Bridgette Lebow, Robert Lewis, Jillian Lotz, Jeffery Macaulay,

Trent Ratzloff, Justin Smith, Alana Tapia, Courtney Tripptree, Nicholas Trowbridge, Jenee Caccaro, Jessica Weber, Chad Whitesides and Casey Woolem.

 

Raymond-Granite High School: John McFarland and Kadi Reed.

 

Raymond-Granite Adult High School: Randy Todd Jr., Terry Hall and Stephanie Riggs-Pace.

 

Yosemite Adult High School: Martin Arce, Patricia Arce, Sara Boardman, Tara Borba, Dystiny Bryan, Wence Curry, Mabs Gallamore, Frank Gutierrez, Melissa Johnson, Carrie Kadlubowksi,

Michoelina Kloppenburg, Thomas McBride, Kristy Moren, Dustin Outerbridge, Christina Peugh, Quentin Pick, Nicholas Pupka, Lori Rounsivill, Kathy Selinski, Jessica Shaffer and Stacey Southwood.

 

Kelley and Mary Kate Harrison and Chelsea Happ, daughters of alternative education teachers, presented a rose to each graduate.