Back Bay, Monte Vista grads celebrate

Seventy-four students from Back Bay High School and 50 from Monte Vista High School celebrated their graduation Thursday morning during the schools’ commencement ceremony at Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theatre.

“Graduation is our proudest moment,” said Michael Wagner, administrative intern for both schools, which occupy the same campus in Costa Mesa. “I hope they take this opportunity to move forward with their education, whether it’s with a university or with a trade.”

Back Bay High is a continuation school, while Monte Vista offers independent study. Both are in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

Student speakers Leslie Perez, Michael Noriega, Sarah Groff, James Hamilton and Daisy Bernal addressed the graduates, expressing appreciation for their time in school and emphasizing the importance of giving to their community.

“We want our students to achieve their dreams and be supportive members of society,” Wagner said.

—Alex Chan