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Estrellita High School seniors set record with 51 graduates

By Julie Z. Giese
News-Sentinel staff writer

Estrellita High School seniors set a school record with this year’s graduating class.

The Class of 2001 had the most graduates — 51 — in the Galt continuation school’s history, Principal Art Adams said.

Estrellita High School grads wait for the ceremony to begin. (Click on the photo to view a larger version.)

Adams touted the record before a standing-room-only crowd at Monday’s graduation at Littleton Community Center.

Family and friends came armed with balloons and flowers to give the graduates, who wore shimmering emerald green caps and gowns. Other well-wishers snapped photos or videotaped the milestone.

The crowd cheered on the graduates as they each approached the podium to receive a diploma and ceremonial handshakes — the finale to their secondary education.

Adams attributed the increase in graduates to dedicated students and educators determined to help students succeed.

Zulema Montano, 18, agreed.

“We’re one of the top 15 continuation schools in the state,” she said. “It’s been a good experience for me.”

Montano, who has been an Estrellita student for three years, dropped out of school during her freshman year.

She worked hard to earn the credits needed to graduate with the Class of 2001, she said.

“I’m just happy to be out of school,” she said.

Montano plans to go to San Joaquin Delta College in the fall. She aspires to become a nurse practitioner.

Others echoed Montano’s sentiment.

“It’s been a lifesaver,” said Daniel Williams, who graduated early in October.

Williams transferred to Estrellita short 140 credits. With hard work, he logged two-years worth of schooling in a year. He finished school with a 3.8 grade point average.

Now, he’s working full-time at an Elk Grove computer applications store. He’s also helping to raise a 41û2-month-old baby.

“I would like to go to Delta and maybe go into law enforcement,” he said.

Several students, including Williams, were awarded scholarship money at the ceremony to help make their educational dreams a reality.

Adams, who plans to retire in a few weeks, told the students that Monday’s ceremony closed the first chapter of their life story.

“One important thing to remember is that you’re the author of this book,” he said.

Adams encouraged the graduates to create happy endings for each chapter.

“I wish you all good health and good writing,” he said.

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