From the Desk of the Superintendent
Superintendent J. Brian Sarvis, Ed.D.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Time For Our High School Graduates to Pursue Their Dreams
Just yesterday they were children. Now they, our graduating high school seniors, are young adults with bright futures. Their success is entwined with our future. Society will depend on their skills and motivation.
It is gratifying to see the awards and scholarships bestowed on our seniors, recognizing their talents and giving them the incentives to take the next step to a wide range of colleges and universities. They are blessed to live in a generous community. For some of our students, college did not initially seem possible. But, with lots of encouragement, academic support, and/or financial options in the form of grants and scholarships, the impossible became possible.
We join their parents in celebrating this major turning point in their lives, toward a future full of promise.
Still, we worry about them. As our 1,604 seniors head out into the world of work, the military, or higher education, we hope that they will continue to focus on their work ethic and to take pride in what they do. In one breath, we ask ourselves if they are fully prepared for the challenges that await. With the resources and training we have provided, do they have a competitive edge? Then, in the next breath, we remind ourselves that we have watched these students blossom as they tackled the rigors of high school; we have faith that their skills, creativity, ability to communicate and work cooperatively will serve them well. Yes, they are ready.
Our June graduates have demonstrated academic excellence. For some students that success came despite difficult personal circumstances; they are heroes in our midst. Among these workers and decision makers of tomorrow are California State Science Fair participants; Mock Trial winners; National Merit Scholar Program finalists, semifinalists, and commended students; participants in the Regional Occupational Program, including Virtual Enterprise; English language learners; students from the Independent Study Program; Golden Merit Seal Diploma recipients; special education; students in our Construction, Engineering, Health, Multimedia Arts and Design, Visual Arts and Design and Green (horticulture) academies; Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate scholars; National Hispanic Scholars; Future Leaders of America, and our scholar athletes. Their determination and academic accomplishments resulted in more than $1.5million in scholarships.
Equally important, our June graduates have demonstrated responsible citizenship. Collectively, they volunteered 192,783 hours of community service. Sixty hours of community service, over a four-year period, is a graduation requirement but many of our students set a much higher personal standard. Graduating senior Marcus Worthington inspired us all through his contribution of an incredible 3,056 hours of volunteer service!
We know that a year from now, approximately 85 percent of our students will be in college. Many will remain in our community, attending the wonderful programs offered at Santa Barbara City College and UC Santa Barbara. Others will take Santa Barbara with them as they head to colleges and universities across the nation. At the senior awards ceremonies, I was struck by the far-reaching path to higher education a great many of our students will take. Our students are ready to fan out across the country in pursuit of their dreams.
Over the past 140 years, the Santa Barbara School Districts have provided a quality education to meet the needs of a culturally, economically, and ethnically diverse student population. The Class of 2006 is now part of a rich history and tradition of excellence that includes philanthropist Pearl Chase; dancer Martha Graham; aviation pioneer John Northrop; financial leader Charles Schwab; and countless leaders in the fields of art, athletics, community service, business, medicine, law, music, education, science, cinema, and more.
As the Class of 2006 prepares for the next chapter in life, the Santa Barbara School Districts’ staff and Board of Education wishes each graduate continued success. We are rooting for you!