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Published on 06/16/1999 All articles from this issue

Last grads of the century

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By Linda Taaffe

Town Crier Staff Writer

Commencement ceremonies are particularly sweet for persevering students

High school seniors took their final bows this month at local graduation ceremonies, where school principals used terms such as "outstanding," "memorable" and "impressive" to describe the sea of blue, gold, black and green caps and gowns.

For some students, graduation marked the final chance to shine in school athletics, for others, the end of a long struggle. The high school years can vary tremendously, depending on a student's home situation and innate interests and talents.

For Jessica Arrowsmith, graduation proved a test to her character and perseverance.

Even when faced with what appeared to be insurmountable obstacles, Arrowsmith never had any doubts that she would graduate.

The Mountain View senior's life turned upside down a year ago with the death of her mother, which left Arrowsmith the head of her family. Arrowsmith took a job at a bank working six days a week in order to keep her childhood home in Mountain View and help support her younger brother. In addition to work, school and managing the household, Arrowsmith paid daily visits to her 81-year-old grandmother, who also lives on her own.

Arrowsmith described the past year as difficult, but worth it.

"I have had to push myself to do it," Arrowsmith said about graduating. "This is a big thing for me working hard, to prove to everyone else that my mom raised us well.

"My mom is watching over me, she sees what I do. This will make her happy," she said.

Arrowsmith reaped the rewards of her determination June 10 at Mountain View High as she marched across the platform dressed in a black graduation gown and received her diploma. She also earned $6,500 in scholarship money.

"I'm happy and sad," she said on graduation day. "This has been my whole life. I've known a lot of these people since second grade."

Arrowsmith plans to study business management and accounting at Foothill in the fall. She plans to transfer to San Jose State University in two years.

Her advice to other students: "Remember to enjoy it while it's here. School has so much to offer."

For Megan Legenos, graduating from high school was something she had never anticipated. The 18-year-old said she spent most of her early high school years at Mountain View High School avoiding class.

"I cut class all the time. I hated school. I was either way ahead or way behind, " she said. Too many tardies landed her at Alta Vista High School during the middle of her sophomore year - where she chose to stay for the remainder of her high school education.

Legenos said the school's smaller classes, individualized courses and enthusiastic teachers turned her around.

"I love school. I found a way to succeed," she said.

Legenos begin her senior year with only 84 credits. She graduated June 4 with 226 credits and two scholarships worth a total of $1,750.

"I thought I was going to throw up. I was really nervous," she said. "My mom thought college would never be an option for me. Now she gets sad whenever I talk about leaving."

Legenos is first out of her family's three children to graduate from high school.

Days after her graduation, Legenos was still getting up early to go to the school campus, where she chatted to teachers and put together the final paperwork for college.

Legenos said school went by too fast. She's not ready to leave yet, she said.

Legenos plans to study Marine Biology at Monterey Peninsula College.

Graduation was one final change for Los Altos High senior Pete Bjorklund to shine. School officials described Bjorklund as "almost too good to be true."

Bjorklund earned a string of impressive athletic achievements during his four years of high school. He was named the outstanding male athlete for his grade four years in a row, winning the prestigious Los Altos blanket this year. He was named the most valuable defensive player on the football team and the first all-league team for three years in a row.

"There is no question that Pete has outstanding leadership abilities. Other students look up to him because of the ways in which he leads by example," said principal David Brazer at the graduation ceremony before honoring Bjorklund with the school's the Eagle Award.

Bjorklund plans to attend Dartmouth College in the fall.