Oak View grads rise to the challenge

A small, personal ceremony marked the graduation last week of 16 seniors from Oak View High School, the alternative school in Oak Park. It was the school's 24th graduating class.

Cheyenne Tara Sutphen was named valedictorian and Erik Anthony Kamrath salutatorian.

Seven scholarships were awarded. Whitney Allison Vademerwe-Lee bested a number of applicants from all the schools in the Conejo Valley to win the Conejo Realtors Scholarship.

An annual scholarship was introduced this year. The Samuel Manocchia Scholarship was presented by John and Joyce Manocchia in honor of their son who died in the winter of 2005. The award was given to two graduates, Sean Garrison and Erik Kamrath, and they were advised to "shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you'll land with the stars."

The 2005-06 yearbook was dedicated to the memory of Sam Manocchia, and his family was presented with an honorary copy.

Kamrath delivered the salutatory address, thanking the staff and apologizing for his own attendance issues.

"I thought Oak View would be an easy way out of high school, but it forced me to step up, show respect and improve my character," Kamrath said.

Sutphen advised fellow graduates that "the real test of life is about to begin" during her valedictory address. Sutphen also said the staff and teachers at Oak View are "caring and delightful."

"We all have a part to play in this complex stage called life and we will all live amazing lives," Sutphen said.

Cliff Moore, an Oak Park Unified School District assistant superintendent and former Oak View principal, was invited to the graduation as a guest speaker. Moore praised the school's programs and administration.

"We couldn't find an administrator with more experience or heart," Moore said of Principal Lou Tabone.