Making the grade wasn't easy

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers READY TO GO--Oak View High School senior Sara Vasilev of Oak Park waits for the procession to begin. The 24 Oak View High School graduating seniors received a standing ovation before the emotional farewell ceremony had even begun.

As the students entered the Oak Park High School Pavilion for the June 15 ceremony they were applauded for overcoming a variety of challenges and obstacles to earn the right to graduate. A continuation high school with small classes and individual attention, Oak View is geared toward at-risk teens.

Many thought graduation wasn't even possible.

"I never thought I'd be standing up here today," salutatorian Lily Shaffer said. "Oak View, you have my endless gratitude--thank you."

A number of scholarships were awarded, including one in memory of former Oak View student Sam Manocchia, who died in 2005, and another in memory of Millie Andress, a popular longtime Oak View teacher and principal who died last August shortly after retiring.

"She believed that you can be whatever you want to be as long as you work hard for it," said retired Oak View teacher Christine Brown in presenting the award to Sara Vasilev. "She understood the confused, the frustrated, the cynical teens who didn't believe in themselves."

Brown also awarded a scholarship in her own name to Shaffer, calling her "an excellent role model" for her academic achievements and volunteer service as a teacher aide at Brookside Elementary School. Prior to coming to Oak View Shaffer had nearly dropped out of school but made a turnaround after attending a graduation ceremony and deciding she wanted to achieve the milestone herself.

"I could not be more grateful to Oak View for my will to stay in school," Shaffer wrote in her scholarship application. After some travel, Shaffer plans to enroll in a film school.

Mikala Hall McGovern, a 1999 graduate, tearfully recalled how Oak View teachers welcomed her warmly and taught her how to find her passion and be "a productive member of society." McGovern has two sons and owns a massage therapy business in Westlake Village.

Principal Lou Tabone commended students for their participation in community service projects throughout the year, including raising money for the Santa Comes to Agoura project.

"Look back once in awhile to where you came from," Tabone said. "Go forth with the love of your families and the support of your teachers and the respect of your peers."