Mountain View High Principal Gary Morris believes there’s nothing his school’s June graduates can’t achieve in the future. That’s because he’s seen firsthand how much they’ve already accomplished, despite great adversity.

Addressing them during their graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 20, at Centreville High, he said they were about to be set free to make their marks on the world.

“You’ve been on this journey for some time and, today, it’s here,” said Morris. “Go change the world. I’m serious; you can do it. I believe in you; I have faith in you.”

Giving examples of a few people who’ve done it, he mentioned Mahatma Gandhi, who led nonviolent protests for independence in India. He also noted American Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks, who showed that “Ordinary people can do anything if they stick to their beliefs, regardless of the circumstances.” And he praised farmworker and activist Cesar Chavez who inspired people with his motto, “Yes, it can be done.”

So, Morris asked the students, “Why can’t you go change the world? You’ve defied the odds before. Some of you have done it because you’ve believed what your teachers said you could do. You put your head down and forged on until you reached your goals. You didn’t quit; you believed you could because that was the only option.”

Detailing what they’ve changed about themselves, Morris said that, initially, many of them didn’t want to be at school. “But you were hungry for that education and wanted to work toward graduation,” he said. “That’s inspiring — you changed hearts and showed us you were ready for this.”

He said the students also changed their values from wanting to stay home in bed to becoming eager to attend classes. And, he added, “You changed your peers; they wanted to succeed because they saw you succeed — and that’s an impact.”

Furthermore, said Morris, “You’ve made us change the way we deliver education to you — and that’s innovation. Inspiration, impact and innovation — you’ve got to have them to change the world — and you do. We’ve seen what you can do and others have seen it, too.”

Quoting Gandhi’s famous words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Morris told the seniors, “I’ve already seen that capability in you, just by being you. And I and the rest of the faculty will be here to see you through, just the way we always have.”

“Be the best you can be, every single day,” he continued. “You don’t have to be perfect, but aim for it. Follow the motto that’s gotten you here today — [Mountain View’s motto of] ‘Family, love, respect.’ Now, go out and change the world. #GoTimberwolves.”

Then, after a school alumnus and two seniors shared their individual success stories, several students received Mountain View’s highest awards. They were recognized not just for their academic accomplishments, but also for their personal character.

CITIZENSHIP AWARD

The Citizenship Award is given to those students who have helped build a positive school community through their example and their work with others. Social Studies Department Chair Pete Garvey presented these awards to Junior Zevallos and Sharon Chavarria.

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Personal Achievement Award recognizes those students who’ve succeeded academically and personally, despite adult pressures and obstacles, such as raising a child and holding down a full-time job while attending school. Social Studies teacher Mike Hardy presented this honor to Saira Gomez.

FACULTY AWARD

Faculty Award recipients are students who’ve earned the faculty’s respect and admiration by exemplifying the spirit of the school’s motto, “Family, love, respect,” while earning a 3.4 GPA or higher. English teacher Tim Harris gave one of these awards to Misael Maradiaga. Harris said Maradiaga didn’t speak English when he first came to Mountain View, but learned quickly. He also achieved an “A” average in his classes while working full-time.

The other Faculty Award was given to Bailey Kim by social worker Cynthia Crisafulli. “Bailey completed 10 classes this year, earned a 3.8 GPA and is graduating one year early,” said Crisafulli. “She gave birth to her son at age 14 and had to learn to cope with her emotions in more mature ways. She also won three scholarships and plans a career in the sciences.”