Indian Hills graduates triumph over adversity

by Stephanie Bertholdobertholdo@theacorn.com

TRADITION—Students throw their caps into the air after they graduate from Indian Hills High School in Calabasas last Thursday. The graduation ceremony at Indian Hills High School last week was a celebration of more than just academic achievement for the 40 students.

For the Class of 2005, these “at risk” teens overcame roadblocks and earned diplomas that represented not only an educational feat, but a personal triumph.

As ceremonies began, the students entered the grassy backyard of the school in their red caps and gowns. Principal Stan Lyons congratulated the students for staying the course of high school. “A continuation high school like this is the beginning for very successful folks like these,” he said.

Dr. Stephen Trudeau, a school district psychologist, told the seniors, “I stand before you as a graduate from alternative education myself.” He said that like the graduating students, he was not a traditional learner. The staff at San Fernando Valley High School had “planted seeds in my life and heart” which led him to enter college at age 26.

“Sooner or later you are going to do something wonderful,” Trudeau said. “You proved it by fighting for your education. You are not human beings, you are human becomings.”

Three students presented commencement addresses. Amy Cohen said that Indian Hills has been “an amazing” school. “I finally hear myself,” Cohen said.

Yaron “Saf” Weisberg discussed his journey through high school. He came to Indian Hills during his senior year, he said, and felt like an outcast. “Within one week, my head was (held) high,” he said.

“I want to be a teacher at Indian Hills High School, just like you guys,” said Weisberg, who added that he will use the same methods when he achieves his goal of becoming a history teacher.

Several scholarships were awarded from The Westlake Village Rotary Club, National Charity League (Conejo Valley Chapter), the Westlake Women’s Club, the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, and Indian Hills High School.

Two new scholarships were presented this year. The $1,500 Las Virgenes Educators Association Future Teacher Scholarship was awarded by art teacher Lynn Coleman. The Dr. Stephen Trudeau Scholarship was presented to two students for creativity in art and writing.

In all, awards of over $3,000 were presented to students.

Scholarship recipients included Paul Adams, Amy Cohen, Ryan Killough, Katherine Liang, Adam Marquez, Sean Norvet, Chris Sampera, Kevin Schneider, Jessica Shapiro, William Syms, Tara Touzie, and Saf Weinberg.

Several school district officials attended the event, including Donald Zimring, Las Virgenes Unified School District interim superintendent, Jim Nielsen, district director of secondary education, and Terilyn Finders, school board member.

“There are moments in life that divide time, marking forever before and after—moments years in the making,” said Finders, who accepted the class.

She said graduation was one of those “milestone moments earned over 13 years.”

After the ceremony, the graduates moved the tassels on their caps from right to left and threw their caps deep into the evening sky.