As first class required to pass exit exam, graduates get
memorable send-off from Mt. Madonna High School
Gilroy – Valerie Zamaripa didn’t live the typical high school experience. Neither did Luz Ponce.
Both students became teen mothers during high school, Zamaripa giving birth to a baby girl her senior year and Ponce having twin daughters nearly a year ago.
But the two women have more in common than their teen mom status: both surpassed obvious obstacles – from taking care of babies to passing the California High School Exit Exam – and received their Mt. Madonna High School diplomas Tuesday.
“Each one of these students has a story to tell,” said Principal Sergio Montenegro, at the onset of the continuation high school graduation ceremony. “Some of it is good, some of it is not so good.”
The stories told at Tuesday’s ceremony were all filled with inspiration and hope. Unlike traditional graduations, at the Mt. Madonna High ceremony teachers took turns telling little tidbits about the graduates before they headed up to shake hands with a procession of district officials and received their diploma.
Montenegro also reminded the crowd in the Gavilan College theater, that all the students sitting on the stage decked out in their cap and gown had to pass the CAHSEE to graduate, the first class required to pass the exam.
Many of the students said listed passing the CAHSEE as their most notable high school memory.
For Zamaripa and Ponce the CAHSEE gave them a chance to shine intellectually. Although both missed a lot of school during their teen years, the women passed on their first try. And Ponce even achieved the honor of receiving the highest score among Mt. Madonna students – a 399 on the English section and 431 in math. A 350 is needed to pass.
“Luz, you brought brilliance into my classroom. You’re a good mother and hard working,” said Mt. Madonna teacher Marina Campos.
For Maria Garcia, the CAHSEE was a bit more of a challenge. Although the senior was on track to graduate she had a difficult time passing. At the end of May, just in the nick of time, Garcia learned that she’d passed.
Gilroy City Councilman and Mt. Madonna alumnus Dion Bracco, who served as the key note speaker, urged students to become involved in their community.
He also explained that although never a big fan of academics, he did learn to work hard. That’s how he managed to open his own successful Gilroy-based business, Bracco’s Towing.
“I didn’t do really good in school,” he said. “I didn’t really like school … My grandma taught me hard work equals success.”
And his dad used to tell him, “Son, if you’re lazy you’re going to be a dummy your whole life.”
