Been there, done that

Deirdre Newman

ORANGE COAST CAMPUS -- High school graduation is usually a

prerequisite for attending college. But for many of the ambitious

students who attend Middle College High School, graduation is a mere

formality since they already take classes at Orange Coast College.

But that didn’t stop an energetic crowd from celebrating the

achievements of the 62 seniors who graduated here on Thursday.

Middle College High School attracts Newport-Mesa Unified School

District students who either don’t feel comfortable in a traditional high

school setting or want the extra stimulation that a college campus

provides. About 92% of the seniors are college-bound -- the highest

statistic in the district, said outgoing OCC president Margaret Gratton.

Gratton praised the fourth graduating class for taking a risk in their

choice to attend the innovative school.

“Middle College High School has become a model of perseverance and

success,” Gratton said. “It’s the little college that could.”

Phillip Szanto, the school’s valedictorian, gave a concise speech to

his fellow graduates.

“I can only give you advice that’s worked for me,” Szanto said. “Thank

everyone you know, experience as much as possible and read as much as you

can.”

Chelsea Nunn, 18, was able to take so many college courses while she

was in high school that she will be obtaining her associate’s degree next

year.

“The school I came from wasn’t exceptionally helpful in my pursuit of

doing college education and high school at the same time,” Nunn said. “I

needed something to challenge my mind.”

Many of the seniors said the intimate setting of the classes enabled

them to make lifelong friendships.

“It’s such a small school that I have friends for life,” said Partha

Patel, 17.