A group of around 30 high-school kids in white graduation robes and hats stand up from their chairs to celebrate their graduation.
San Andreas High students rejoice after their graduation. Credit: Meghan Lee

This article was written by BenitoLink intern Meghan Lee. Lea este artículo en español aquí.

San Andreas Continuation High School graduated 27 students in a ceremony at the Hollister Veterans Memorial Building on June 4. 

The gathering also included a promotion ceremony for eighth grade students from Santa Ana Opportunity School

One of San Andreas’s most accomplished graduates, Vivianne Padilla-Ortega, received scholarship certificates at the ceremony from the Latino Coalition of San Benito County, VFW, the Giving Tree, and SBCEL, among others. Padilla-Ortega, who was also reclassified as a fluent English speaker, said she’s grateful for the support she received. 

“It’s unreal, but we did it with hard work and support of everyone from the San Benito Office of Education,” she said. “I want to thank them all for everything that they have done for us and what they do for everyone, and for the scholarships. It’s really going to help me for my education moving on forward.”

Vivianne Padilla-Ortega after the San Andreas High graduation ceremony. Photo by Meghan Lee.

Padilla-Ortega said she’s planning to attend Gavilan College and wants to study solar engineering. 

As a continuation school, San Andreas High serves students at risk of not graduating. 

Graduate Elizabeth Sandoval gave the farewell address and thanked her mother for supporting her. 

“I am thankful for her always pushing me to do better so I can be the best version of myself,” she said.

County Office of Education Superintendent Krystal Lomanto also spoke, complimenting the perseverance of the graduating class. 

“Wherever you choose, whether you’re going to a college or are alternative continuation high school students, if you’re going to a trade school, if you’re going to go to work or go to a new school, you carry with you a powerful truth,” Lomanto said. “You have already shown that you don’t quit, and you have already become someone we are all so incredibly proud of.”

Krystal Lomanto addresses the graduating students.

The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour, United Way, Taylor Farms and the Emma Bowen Foundation.

Meghan Lee is a freelance reporter with the Benito Link. She attended the University of Missouri and graduated with a double major in Journalism and Political Science. She worked as a morning radio anchor...