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Hernandez, Hixson named Liberty’s top graduates

By Julie Z. Giese
News-Sentinel staff writer

Liberty High School seniors Marisa Hernandez and Chad Hixson say they wouldn’t have graduated without the support from educators at the continuation school.

Hernandez was short credits needed to graduate and Hixson had a chronic problem of cutting classes.

Marisa Hernandez

The 18-year-olds turned around their academic marks to become Liberty’s top students after transferring to the school last year as juniors.

“I found teachers are a lot more willing to help you than other schools,” Hixson said.

Hernandez agreed.

“They were more understanding,” she said.

The pair also credit Liberty’s smaller school setting to their improved academics.

“I like it here because everybody gets along,” Hernandez said.

Chad Hixson

The two seniors were honored for their achievement with special certificates from the California Department of Education at Thursday’s graduation.

Hixson and Hernandez said their success didn’t come without lots of hard work and encouragement from family.

In addition to school, Hixson worked part-time as at a local grocery store until graduating mid-semester in January.

Hernandez also cared for her ailing mother.

Both students say they won’t easily forget their experience at Liberty.

Hixson plans to attend American River College in Carmichael to become certified as an American Sign Language interpreter. He’s considering a career as an interpreter for the court system or schools.

As for Hernandez, she’s looking to study cosmetology at Woodruff School in Stockton. She plans to work alongside her 28-year-old sister, who owns Visible Changes beauty salon in Lodi.

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