“Congratulations students! You did it!”

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Maine Prairie High School students filed into their graduation ceremony to the traditional tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” last week amid the usual cheers of support from family and friends, but got unusually special recognition from their teachers.

“What a year it has been and we are truly excited to be here in person with you,” enthused Principal Yvette Ramos who leads the public, alternative high school on East C Street. “Overcoming is one of your biggest advantages. You’ve experienced political and racial turmoil, and you are graduating during a pandemic,” she said in her welcome to event guests.

“Your drive, perseverance, and willpower to endure is greater than any barriers. Your willpower is irrevocable and you are an unstoppable force,” she added.

From a stage decorated with large floral displays and a pillar of maroon, white, and black balloons on the black top of the simple school campus, she told the large audience that this was the one and only graduation to take place there as in the past it was held at Dixon High School and next year they would be at their new facility after the renovation of the former CA Jacobs Middle School.

Brian Dolan, Superintendent of Dixon Unified Schools, congratulated students and gave pats on the backs after they were handed diplomas from School Board Representatives Jewel Fink, Caitlin O’Halloran, and Melissa Maseda.

Student Isaac Chewning recognized Susana Perez, Instructional Assistant and Parent Liaison along with Instructional Assistant Julie Skaug for their support and guidance to help him get to graduate.

“I will be forever grateful for them,” he said. Then, each teacher introduced a few students telling the audience something about their personality that made them successful, shared the student’s goals, or their favorite saying.

Teacher Isabel Brice, read the quote chosen by Isaiah Tripp who came into the program late this school year, “I am ready to face any challenge that might be foolish enough to face me.” She commended him for being willing to ask for help and to receive it, she said.

Jesus Cabrera was described as a quiet student who plans on studying Marine Biology. Yuridia Espinosa has worked hard after setbacks and is planning to attend Woodland Community College to study accounting. Steven Anderson was extolled for making online learning fun.

“In a sea of black squares, yours sparkled and I wondered how is it that this one person did the heavy lifting? You brightened every morning,” one of his teachers said. Stacie Anderson’s teacher knew that whatever this student wanted, she would get it--and that aerospace engineering won’t see her coming.

“The students before you are today’s superheroes,” said Science teacher Dina Flamik. “Congratulations students! You did it!”

Maine Prairie is an alternative high school diploma program. Many students in continuing education are behind in high school credits. Others may need a flexible school schedule because they have jobs outside of school. Some students choose this school because of family needs or other circumstances.

Students who attend continuation high schools must spend at least 15 hours per week or three hours per day at school. They take courses that are required for graduation. They also receive guidance and career counseling. The class ratio is significantly lower than Dixon High with about 15 students per teacher and that provides more personal and condensed instruction.

Class of 2021 Maine Prairie graduates are: Stacie Andersen, Steven Anderson, Leonardo Cerna, Joel Chambers, Isaac Chewning, Jewel Dunning, Dante Frutos, Jesus Galvez, Diana Garcia, Michael Gastelum, David Godwin, Alexis Golecki-Chavarria, Emma Gordon, Kaliana Hernandez, Kasondra Hernandez, Oscar Hernandez, Susana Leon, Priscilla Marroquin, Gabriel Martinez, David Mayer, Chantel Ramirez Rodriguez, Cecilia Rangel, Alondra Rodriguez, Scarlett Sanchez, Isabella Sequeria, Antonia Spiegel, Bryan Torres Valdez, Isaiah Tripp, Eden Urias Chavez, and Julie West.