9:00 am FREE

As part of Stewardship Day during California State Parks Week, learn about the amazing variety of plant life at Mount Diablo State Park which includes species that are only found here. Threatening this rich diversity are some species that can turn an area with many types of plants into an area where there is only one. You can help as we pitch in with our park biologist to remove one of these invasive plants from an area of the park. Reservations required. Group size limited to 15.

Meet at 2675 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd. in Danville.

For reservations and information email sharon.peterson@parks.ca.gov or visit castateparksweek.org/event/weeding-for-biodiversity/.

There are more opportunities to participate in State Parks Week on Friday and during Partnership Day / Volunteer Day on Saturday, June 18. Enjoy the over 279 park units, from the redwood forests on the North Coast to the sunny beaches in Southern California, that preserve and protect the best of California’s natural and cultural history, from natural features and ecosystems to historic structures and cultural resources.

TreVista Senior Living and Memory Care welcomes author Jolene Brackey for a Zoom Event on June 28, 2022

Brackey will offer tips to caregivers, friends and family of individuals with dementia

Although it’s impossible to create a perfectly wonderful day, caregivers for those with dementia can create perfectly wonderful moments for those with memory loss. In an effort to assist caregivers as well as anyone who loves someone with dementia, TreVista Senior Living and Memory Care in Antioch and Concord are pleased to welcome Jolene Brackey, author of Creating Moments of Joy, for a special event. Brackey will discuss fun and simple ways to bring joy into every day for those with dementia. She will also answer questions from event attendees.

The zoom event will be held on June 28, 2022, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. (pacific). Those interested in attending should either Tamsen Meierdierck at TreVista Antioch at tmeierdierck@trevista-antioch.com or 925-470-3395 or Mike Bonifay at TreVista Concord at mbonifay@trevista-concord.com or 925-798-3900. Those who contact either individual will be added to the RSVP list and get a personalized zoom link. Those who attend the event live on zoom will get a free copy of Jolene Brackey’s book.

Jolene Brackey has shared her message of joy and inspiration with families and caregivers across North America for more than twenty years. A sought-after voice in the health care community, Brackey maintains an active speaking calendar. Passing on all she has learned from her travels and from her work with families and loved ones, her passion is to change the way people see people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. More information can be found at Jolene’s website, enhancedmoments.com.

For more information on TreVista, please visit trevistaseniorliving.com.

About TreVista

TreVista Senior Living and Memory Care provides expert, loving care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. TreVista believes that the quality of life for those with memory loss can be enhanced in the right environment with their support. There are two TreVista communities, located in Antioch and Concord, CA. TreVista is a member of the Agemark Senior Living family of companies. Agemark has been an industry leader in creating home-like senior communities for more than three decades and has been named a Great Place to Work in Aging Services by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE magazine, three years running. For more information on TreVista, visit trevistaseniorliving.com. For more information on Agemark, visit www.agemark.com.

Presented with “graduation diploma” by his mother, Antioch School Board Trustee Mary Rocha

“Once a Panther, always a Panther” – Principal Louie Rocha

By Allen D. Payton

On a warm, blustery night inside Eells Stadium, the 370 Antioch High School Class of 2022 graduates celebrated each other and their principal, Louie Rocha who was honored by his mother, Antioch School Board Trustee Mary Rocha, with a retirement diploma, as he ends his 37 years in education.

Following the performance of the traditional Pomp and Circumstance by the AHS Concert Band and Orchestra under the direction of Brooke Kofford, as the graduates filed in, and the presentation of colors of the U.S. and California flags by the Marine Corps, they accompanied the Music Masters, under the direction of Sarah Phelan on The Star Spangled Banner. The Music Masters also sang “Not to Say Goodbye” and “Dry Your Tears, Afrika” to the graduating seniors.

Associated Student Body President Amirah Sam Marie Johnson welcomed her classmates, and their family and friends in the stands.

“I would like to welcome you to the commencement ceremony. I love being the center of attention,” she said with a laugh. “I kinda dreaded this day. The day we graduate. When we will have to pay our own phone bill.”

“Always take the time to acknowledge your accomplishments,” Johnson encouraged the graduates. “Your tolerance is what will get you through. Goodbye, Class of 2022.”

ASB Vice President and Antioch’s Youth of the Year, Giovanni Guillermo Terrones spoke next saying, “The words ‘we’ll be a fine line’ have…helped me keep going through my time at Antioch High School.”

“As the song continues, it says the words, ‘we’ll be alright’ and that’s something I believe that we will all be,” Terrones continued. “Be all proud of yourselves, guys. We got here.”

“I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22,” he said quoting the title of a song. “I want you to be proud of yourselves for everything you have accomplished.”

He spoke of his mother using Google translate to help him with his homework, translating Spanish into English and then thanked his parents. Terrones then gave part of his speech in Spanish and enough students understood to cheer.

“It is time to pursue our passions…leave a lasting impact on the world,” he implored his classmates. “To me the most profound impact we can make is by supporting and caring for others and leaving their days with a little more positivity and hope.”

Terrones then turned and took a selfie with his cell phone while his classmates cheered in the background.

“Again, congratulations. It’s been a rocky four years, but we did it,” he concluded.

Principal Louie Rocha then introduced the Salutatorian and Valedictorian.

Salutatorian Eilana Sbranti Cordova, who was also the Senior Class President spoke first, saying, “We’ve survived so much Just as we were trying to get comfortable the pandemic hit.”

“As I was…reflecting on my high school years, I was reminded of one good thing from freshman year, then another from sophomore year,” she said. “We were still able to have a fun prom…now, graduation.”

“As we take our next steps there will be hard times. But we need to focus on the good things,” Cordova said. “Hold onto the positive moments and let the negative ones go.”

“I want to give a congratulations to the Class of 2022. Just remember, we are all in this together,” she added.

Valedictorian Giselle Beatriz Cabello shared thoughts of her high school experience.

“Throughout my journey I was also able to meet new people who brought out the best in me,” she said. “I will never forget the moments I created in high school. One of these lessons, although corny as it may seem, no one can decide what you’re going to be.”

I want to thank my parents for always being there for me. They came here like many other parents to give me a better life,” Cabello stated.

“I believe our class has so much potential in making a positive difference in this world,” she added.

Principal Rocha then took some time to reflect on the Class of 2022 and what t

We are all back together after three years

It’s a bittersweet moment” he said, since it was his final graduation as he heads toward retirement.

“To the students who TP’d my office I did appreciate the love,” Rocha said with a laugh.

He spoke of the students and their, “dedication and commitment, but mostly their perseverance during the COVID pandemic. Their accomplishment required support from family.”

He then introduced his own mother and father, and wife of 36 years, who were all in attendance. He asked the audience to give a standing ovation to the graduates. He later asked the graduates to stand and thank their families which they did with a cheer.

“Do not allow others to place limits on your dreams and goals,” Rocha stated. “Remember Antioch High School will always be a place you can call home. Once a Panther, always a Panther.”

He then called his mother, School Board Trustee Mary Rocha to the stage. She first spoke in Spanish to the parents then in English.

“Today we celebrate you,” Trustee Rocha said to the graduates. “To face the challenge of attending school for two years online, for doing your homework when it was so easy to stay in bed. Now, you’re on your way to fulfill your dreams and the dreams your family has for you.”

She mentioned the fact that in 1979 she presented Louie with his diploma.

“Tonight I present him with his retirement diploma,” Trustee Rocha said. “We’re very proud of you, dad and I.”

She then presented Principal Rocha with a “retirement diploma”.

AUSD Superintendent Stephanie Anello then accepted the class having completed the requirements as set forth by the Antioch School Board and the State of California.

Trustee Rocha was joined by her husband Louie, Sr., Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis, Antioch City Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock as well as Superintendent Anello near the stage to watch the handing out of diplomas.

But unlike at the Dozier-Libbey and Deer Valley graduations, the AHS student leaders gave the graduates their diplomas.

Class President Cordova then led the tassel ceremony to conclude the proceedings. A few of the graduates tossed their caps as they all cheered along with family and friends in the stands.

Congratulations Antioch High School Class of 2022! May God bless you in your future pursuits and endeavors.

MORE PHOTOS of the AHS Class of 2022 Graduation

 

By Allen D. Payton

The Deer Valley High School Class of 2022 celebrated during their graduation ceremonies Friday morning, June 10, after overcoming the challenges of COVID they faced during their final school years, including remote learning, social distancing and wearing masks. The graduates were reminded of that in more than one speech that morning in their final time as students inside Wolverine Stadium.

While the audience awaited the arrival of the graduates on the field, the Deer Valley High School Band performed several songs under the leadership of Music Director Larry Widner.

Following the traditional performance of Pomp and Circumstance by the DVHS Band, and the Presentation of Colors of the U.S. and California state flags by representatives of the U.S. Marine Corps, the National Anthem was performed by the Deer Valley Divine Voices, who were introduced by Salutatorian Ellie Yin.

Dr. Bukky Oyebade, principal of Deer Valley High spoke about the challenges the graduates faced during COVID.

“For some just getting out of bed was very difficult,” she said to laughter. “You’re a group of young men and women who have demonstrated resilience day in and day out. Give yourselves a round of applause.”

“Don’t forget to demonstrate those skills you learned at DVHS,” Oyebade continued.  “Don’t forget to be kind to others. When others expect you to dim your light and conform to darkness, shine anyways.”

Antioch School Board Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis reminded the class of their past while encouraging them for having what he called the “wolverine spirit”.

“The last few years have been challenging to say the least. COVID, shutdowns, economic uncertainty, and a whole lot more,” he stated. “I can only imagine what it was like trying to navigate all of those things while also planning for the future. The fact that you are here proves you have the wolverine spirit. Simply that you did not give up shows that you have the wolverine spirit. Through it all, you not only persevered, but you also thrived, which again exhibits that you have the wolverine spirit.”

“People who exhibit the wolverine spirit are typically fearless and are not intimated by anything. They are risk-takers and are so focused on their pursuits that the thought of failure does not stop them from their mission,” Lewis continued on the theme. “The wolverine spirit is bold trendsetters who go against the grain to accomplish their goals. Wolverines are never scared and are determined to attain their goals. Does this sound like anyone we know? I stand before a group of wolverines who have already shown they are tenacious enough to overcome the many twists and turns of the last few years.”

Senior Class President William Rogers offered the first student speech. Speaking of the future, he said his classmates will see “stuff we’ve never seen before. We’re going to make an impact on this world, so let’s make it a good one. We are here. So, let’s not stop, now.”

Valedictorian Colby Ye spoke next saying “Four years. We made it. We worked hard, struggled, played.”

He spoke of “showing up to class without pants” to laughter from the graduates.

“Take the experiences that you’ve had here and use them,” Ye continued. “Set your heart ablaze. Live your life with passion. For with passion nothing is out of reach.”

“Fill your life with fun. But remember fill your life with passion,” he concluded.

AUSD Superintendent Stephanie Anello then formally accepted the graduates.

“As the Superintendent of the Antioch Unified School District, it is my distinct honor to accept the 2022 graduating class from Deer Valley High School,” she said. “Upon the recommendation of the faculty and on behalf of the Antioch Unified School District Board of Education, I certify that each of you has completed the graduation requirements set forth by the Antioch Unified School District. Having completed these requirements, I confer upon each of you the high school diploma with all of its rights, honors, and responsibilities.”

“Henceforth, you are to be considered high school graduates and alumni of Deer Valley High School,” she said to cheers from the graduates. “Congratulations,” Anello added.”

The Divine Voices under the leadership of Choral Director Georgia Friend, performed two more songs, “A Blessing” and “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday”.

The names of the graduating seniors were then read by Math Department Chair Maria McClain and math instructor Jessika Tate, as the diplomas were handed out by and photos taken with Dr. Lewis and school board Trustee Mary Rocha.

Following the tassel ceremony led by Class President Rogers, teacher and cross-country coach Mike Green who served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, offered closing remarks. Only a few of the graduates tossed their caps into the air, and then very orderly followed their former principal off the field to meet their family and friends to celebrate.

The DVHS band performed the recessional as Widener directed them for the final time as he is retiring, this year.

Congratulations, Deer Valley Class of 2022. May God bless you in your future pursuits!

A video of the graduation ceremony by DVTV can be viewed on the district’s YouTube Channel here and here.

MORE PHOTOS of the DVHS Class of 2022 Graduation

 

Honor fallen classmate with standing ovation; Principal Osterholt says farewell to the graduates and the school as he heads for retirement

By Allen D. Payton

The 90-degree heat didn’t keep the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2022 from celebrating their graduation, Thursday night. Family and friends cheered their graduates, during the ceremony held inside the Deer Valley Wolverines Stadium. The students honored a fallen classmate, Mason Rodriguez, with standing ovation as his parents received his diploma and hugs from Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis and Principal Scott Osterholt.

After the soon-to-be alumni filed in, to the traditional playing of Pomp and Circumstance, performed by the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Band under the direction of Larry Widener, Patricia Jeanne Mari Ramos Abenoja sang the National Anthem. That was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to our nation’s flag, led by Salutatorian Cynthia Rodriguez.

Lewis, the only member of the Antioch School Board in attendance, as Board President Gary Hack and Trustee Mary Rocha were attending the Bidwell High School graduation at the same time across town, offered some opening remarks reminding the class of the past, while focusing on their future with encouragement.

“These past few years have been especially challenging. COVID, distance learning, working together in our homes,” he stated. “All of these things presented new and challenging ways that you all had to experience education. And guess what, you stared steadfast into the face of that challenge, and you overcame it. For this, you should be proud. For the last three years, or 26,280 hours you have had to adapt, redirect, change course and adjust, and guess what, you did it.”

“You are the face of the future, and I am here for it. Thank you for inspiring all those around you. Thank you for leading the charge and showing the world that you will stick to your goals and overcome them no matter the obstacle,” Lewis continued. “It is said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Well, tonight represents the first step toward your future. Whether the next phase be college, job, or a gap year, just remember that you have and will continue to push forward through any challenge you may face.”

During his speech, Valedictorian James Geronimo referred to his fellow classmates as, “the future change makers of our nation and world. The same peers I now call family.”

“We have made it,” he said. “We have earned this moment and we should all be incredibly proud of ourselves that we have made gotten this far.”

“Live with your head held high. Set your heart ablaze. Grit your teeth and look straight ahead,” Geronimo said, quoting Mason Rodriguez. “Living out the mission statements we each created with sincerity and doing so with our hearts set ablaze, filled from head-to-toe with determination, courage and enthusiasm.”

“Remember….the pandemic you endured. What was supposed to be a nearly two-week break, turned into two months, then turned into almost two years,” he reflected.

“I want us to never forget the connections you created, the memories you formed and the accomplishments you earned. We have proven time and time again, that we’re equipped with the skills and the passion to make change in this world.” Geronimo continued. “You’ll determine how far you will go. So, spread your wings and fly as high and far as you can go.”

“The future is bright, everybody. Now, it is up to you to make it a great future or not. Congratulations…to the graduating Class of 2022,” he concluded.

Osterholt spoke at his final graduation of students at DLMHS as he’s retiring this year. He presented the Class of 2022 to Superintendent Stephanie Anello who in turn accepted the class “on behalf of the Antioch Unified School District Board of Education.

“Henceforth you are to be known as high school graduates and alumni of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School,” she said.

Following the reading of the names by teacher Mark Libbey, son of one of the school’s namesakes, and the presentation of the diplomas by Lewis, student Commencement Speaker Amarachi Ibe shared her thoughts.

“Senior family you have accomplished one of the many milestones you will accomplish in your life,” she said.

“As we look back on the last four years, we can single out one group of people who caused our suffering, the teachers,” Amarachi said joking.

Speaking of her fellow classmates she said, “It makes us feel like we have a second family. I always felt welcomed and safe at this school. I would like to congratulate you for earning your diplomas which signifies growth, perseverance and diligence.”

“Mr. Libbey said you don’t grow inside of your comfort zone. Wise words that will stay in my mind forever,” Amarachi continued.

“We earned this moment, and I am so proud of us. Once a Diamondback always a Diamondback,” she said to a cheer from the graduates.

At the beginning of the Tassel Ceremony, Class President Syrenity Yates shared some thoughts with her classmates.

She then led the graduates in moving the tassels on their very colorful and decorated caps, with fun and inspiring sayings in English and Spanish, to signify they’ve graduated. Some of her classmates tossed their caps into the air and they all filed out to meet family and friends to celebrate with hugs, photos, flowers and dancing.

Congratulations, Dozier-Libbey Class of 2022. May God bless you in your future pursuits!

See the graduation video on the AUSD YouTube page.

More Photos of the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2022 Graduation