Frazier Mountain grads off to college

Educators happy that 80 percent of graduating class will pursue higher education programs.

Filed: June 15, 2001

By BOB SABERHAGEN
Californian correspondent

LEBEC -- Joy, triumph, relief that it was finally over -- emotions were high and very evident on the faces of the 105 seniors who accepted diplomas at Frazier Mountain High School's graduation ceremonies Thursday.

Pride was also evident on the faces of El Tejon Unified School District's educators who reveled in the fact that 80 percent of the school's fifth graduating class is scheduled to go to college.

Of the 82 college-bound grads, 23 have been accepted to four-year universities, and 59 plan to attend junior colleges, technical schools and other college-level programs.

Counselor Mike Stroh says this is nothing short of phenomenal, especially considering the school's youth and size.

"This senior class is the best since the doors opened," Stroh said.

Stroh said this year's crop of seniors is more confident than past classes. The students possess the knowledge and skills to compete with students from larger schools for seats in university classrooms.

"Our kids are doing the right things to be accepted by four-year schools."

Dean Bentley, superintendent of the three-school, 1,400-student district, attributes the surge in college-bound graduates to a combination of factors.

"The school is young, but we have a stable faculty," Bentley said. "Our staff is committed. We've added new programs. Our honors classes have been stepped up to provide a good, accelerated program for honors kids. We've involved parents in our programs. Lots of little things have generally improved our academic program."

Jonathan Sipavich had the highest praise for teachers. "I can't say enough about our teachers," said Sipavich, who was named Senior Boy of the Year last week during the school's annual awards ceremonies, where fellow classmate Amber Acosta was selected as the educators' favorite girl. "They've always been there for me. They're absolutely wonderful."

Outstanding Senior in Special Education Desiree Thornbrugh credits special education teacher Sharon Lemburg with her progress in the program that saw her grade point average rise from 1.2 as freshman to 3.5 this term.

"I love her to death," said Thornbrugh, who plans to attend Valencia's College of the Canyons in September. "She helped me through a lot."

College plans and summer jobs will have to wait at least one more day for seniors who departed by charter bus for Disneyland after the ceremony to celebrate at an all-night party sponsored by the amusement park.