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Monte Vista High School Celebrates Graduation Milestone

Graduates of Monte Vista High School celebrating their achievements.

News Summary

The graduation ceremony for Monte Vista High School’s Class of 2025 took place at the Norma Hertzog Community Center, celebrating the achievements of seventeen graduates. This year’s event showcased their hard work and commitment, with most students planning to continue their education at two-year colleges. Standout graduate Madison Stephenson will attend Colorado State University, and Bruno Andrade Bruning was named Mountaineer of the Year. Principal Racquel Stephens emphasized the school’s unique educational approach and the importance of community within the school.

Costa Mesa – The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 took place on Thursday at the Norma Hertzog Community Center, marking a significant milestone for Monte Vista High School, an independent study institution within the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. This year’s event celebrated the achievements of seventeen graduates, showcasing their hard work and dedication over the course of their high school years.

This ceremony was notably the second since the school’s establishment, reflecting the ongoing success of Monte Vista’s unique educational approach. Students at Monte Vista complete their coursework primarily through remote learning while adhering to the same academic standards and graduation requirements as those in traditional comprehensive high schools within the district.

To ensure students receive the necessary support, Monte Vista students attend weekly meetings at the Presidio Learning Center in Costa Mesa, allowing them to engage directly with their instructors and stay connected while pursuing their studies independently.

In this year’s graduating class, a remarkable sixteen out of seventeen graduates plan to continue their education at two-year colleges. Notably, Madison Stephenson, one of the standout graduates, received acceptance offers from multiple four-year universities and has chosen to attend Colorado State University in the fall to pursue a degree in elementary education.

Bruno Andrade Bruning, another graduate, received the honor of being named Mountaineer of the Year. He distinguished himself during the ceremony by wearing a gown decorated with a stole that featured the flags of the United States and Brazil, celebrating his cultural heritage. As one of the student speakers, Bruning shared his insights with fellow graduates, accompanied by another classmate, Roel Orozco, who also took part in the ceremony.

During the celebration, Principal Racquel Stephens acknowledged the accomplishments and experiences shared among the graduates, faculty, and staff throughout their time at Monte Vista. She conveyed her hope that the graduates would carry the memories and lessons learned during their time at the school into their future endeavors, referring to Monte Vista as “a truly special place.”

The graduation ceremony not only highlighted the achievements of the individual students but also emphasized the community spirit fostered at Monte Vista High School. Through its independent study format, the school continues to provide an alternative education pathway for students seeking flexibility and personalized learning.

The success of the Class of 2025 reflects the commitment of both the students and the educators at Monte Vista and sets a positive precedent for future graduating classes. As these students prepare to embark on their next chapters, the achievements celebrated during the ceremony serve as a reminder of their perseverance and potential to achieve further success in their academic and professional journeys.