The diverse academic environment of Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s Olympic High School was celebrated on June 5, during a graduation ceremony for 26 Olympic seniors and six Adult Education Center graduates at Virginia Avenue Park.
Olympic High serves as the continuation high school of the district, and was recently accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges for the first time in its history. The school enrolls students who are behind in academic credits and thrive in a smaller learning environment, benefiting from a diverse curriculum and individualized education programs. Olympic Principal Cynthia McGregory applauded the graduates during the ceremony, along with the “village” of teachers and staff who made the day possible.
“Today represents … so many things to our students and to our entire school community,” McGregory said. “Hope, endurance, personal struggle, perseverance, accomplishments and that bright light at the end of what felt like a very dark tunnel sometimes.”
District Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton echoed those remarks by saying that graduation “is just the beginning of great things” for the 2024 class, adding that he expects the seniors to “give back to your community” and “find someone that you can encourage” amid various life obstacles.
“This is a long journey, you don’t have to all do it in one day, but I ask you to begin the process of thinking about what is my path, and how [will I] pursue that path, and how [will I] execute what it is that I dream and hope for,” Shelton said. “All we want to let you know is that we believe in you, we trust in you, and we know that you will do great things.”
Three of the Olympic seniors took to the stage to speak on their time at the school, including Elijah Medina, who transferred to Olympic after being told by his former school that he was credit deficient and wouldn’t be able to graduate on time. He said that Olympic gave him “multiple opportunities” to accomplish his goals, a point of pride alongside learning opportunities like being a youth group leader at his church and a coach for his younger brother’s little league baseball team.
“I want you to know that I’m praying for nothing but for your success and safety [in] all your lives, and I know that each of you are capable of reaching the level of success that awaits you in your dreams and endeavors,” Medina told his classmates.
Fellow senior Daisy Estrada added that she was doubtful at times during her high school experience, but knew that “not graduating would never be an option.” Estrada thanked her family, including her cousin who “bugged” her to attend school every morning. Alyn Crespo, who was called to speak last-minute, also had praise for a key family member in her journey.
“I want to say thank you to my dad for always providing for [me] and trying his best … [to finally] see me up here and finally graduating,” Crespo said. “I never thought I would ever come to something this big. After my mom passed away, I thought my life was over, but I want to say thank you to my dad for always working day and night.”
The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Ana Jara, who manages the Santa Monica Police Department’s Leadership, Engagement, Achievement, Discovery program that meets with Olympic students each week. The meetings aim to create connections between youth and police officers in a friendly, collaborative environment, and is something Jara said the “team looks forward to every week.”
Jara added that Olympic graduates should live through curiosity “of yourself, of others, of the world and of possibilities,” and should note to give back to their respective communities in the future.
“Remember that you are part of a bigger story [and] as such, you’re responsible for playing your role,” Jara said. “We need you to be well, we need you to grow, we need you to believe, we need you to show up and be your authentic selves.”
Over $10,000 in scholarships were awarded to the 2024 class, coming from multiple local institutions. Medina received a scholarship from the Santa Monica-Malibu School Administrators, while Crespo and Kassandra Munoz were awarded by the Santa Monica-Malibu Parent Teachers Association. The Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association also gave a scholarship to senior Blake Rugh.
Other local groups handing out scholarships included Rotary Club of Santa Monica (to Joy Vine), the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica (to Vine, Crystal Hernandez and Valerie Morales) and the Santa Monica Assistance League (to Morales, Bethany Desalegne and Sweta Chandra). Jeremiah Landers received the Otto Menendez Scholarship, while Aeneas Schofield was awarded the Perseverance Award from the family of Carmen and Jasmine Franco.
thomas@smdp.com
