Pioneer graduates reflect on journey

In her commencement address Wednesday evening, Pioneer High School graduate Makayla Lestrange reflected on the obstacles she overcame to get there.

She told classmates, parents and other loved ones gathered at the Carson City Community Center about her concern coming into high school that she would be an average student at best.

Turns out, she said, it was worse than she had feared.

"I tried my hardest to go every day and get good grades, but nothing was working," she said. "I finally gave up."

After failing at two high schools, she was reluctant to try the Carson City School District's alternative high school, but gave it a shot.

"The teachers actually cared if I passed or failed," she said. "They helped me. I found I could be myself and wouldn't be judged. Pioneer saved my education."

Fellow graduate Esteban Venegas, 18, said every student has a story of struggle and triumph.

"You pretty much go to that school already failing," he said. "You start from the bottom up."

Principal Jason Zona said it explained why the school has continued to grow, graduating its largest class this year of 51 students.

"We have a structure built in where you can catch up," he said. "We adapt to them."

And the environment is empowering, students said.

"You get more motivated because there's less students and less drama," said graduate Erick Sepulveda, 19.

When Melaena Lopez, 17, found out two years ago she was pregnant with Brizada, now 1, she was scared but determined.

"No matter what, I was going to graduate," she said. "It was hard being up all night then getting up and going to school the next day. I'm doing it for her, to give her a better everything."

For Kaylie Salas, 18, she set the goal of earning a high school diploma, despite a lack of role models.

"I'm the second one in my family to get it," she said. "I used that as motivation. It means I've accomplished something."

Scholarships and other awards were also announced during the ceremony. Shelby Price and Jeremy Walkama received the principal's award, the school's highest honor.

Other honors went to Dennis Wahl for the social studies award; Jeremy Walkama, science award; Makayla Lestrange, math award; Dylan Smith, English award and Karen Jimenez, leadership award.

The Charles D. Memorial Scholarship went to Erick Sepulveda and Justin Sandstrom won the Mike and Ruth Pintar Scholarship.

Sandstrom, Walkama and Arnold Flores-Estrada also earned the Millennium Scholarship.