By Allen D. Payton

The Deer Valley High School Class of 2023 graduates, family and friends celebrated their shared accomplishment on Friday morning, June 9th. After entering with their teachers to the traditional playing of Pomp and Circumstance, inside the Los Medanos College football stadium, where the ceremonies were held due to the new turf field being installed in Wolverine Stadium, the graduates were welcomed by teacher and cross-country coach, Michael Green and enjoyed a performance of the National Anthem by the Divine Voices.

They then heard from their first-year principal, Casey Lewis.

“Your journey made the days many,” he said speaking of the COVID pandemic. “Value you those you trust the most. Value those moments. Let them know you care. You don’t have to be great to get started. But you have to get started to be great.”

“It has been an absolute honor to be your principal especially this class which was my first class. So, stay classy,” he added.

Antioch School Board Area 3 Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis (no relation to the principal) spoke of the “Wolverine spirit”.

“People who exhibit the Wolverine spirit are typically fearless and are not intimated by anything,” he said. “They are risk-takers and are so focused on their pursuits that the thought of failure does not stop them from their mission. Being a Wolverine means being a spirited, bold trendsetter who goes against the grain to accomplish their goals.”

Senior Class President Heather Galiwango then spoke to her classmates saying, “13 years. It’s been 13 years that the government mapped out a road for us. It seems as though our whole lives revolve around school until we got to high school. Then we overworked ourselves.”

“We’ve overcome a pandemic. We became the first class to have personalized parking spots,” she shared to cheers from the graduates. “Your successes as Deer Valley Wolverines are so impressive. Always know I’m rooting for you in your little corners.  Thank you and congrats.”

“At the beginning of this year I couldn’t wait to graduate. Now that I’m here, I feel the opposite,” said Valedictorian Ryan Cao. “Throughout my entire life I’ve always longed for the next chapter of my life. I didn’t spend enough time with my friends…and especially my grandfather.”

“Don’t let anyone question your talent or ability,” he continued. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Cherish what you have in the moment.”

Principal Lewis introduced the Class of 2023 to Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Christine Ibarra who accepted the class for completing the requirements set forth by the Antioch Unified School District.

“Henceforth you are to be considered graduates and alumni of Deer Valley High School,” she said to cheers.

The Deer Valley Choir and Divine Voices who sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremonies then performed “A Blessing” and “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”.

Math Department Chair Maria McClain and Math Instructor Jessika Tate read the names of the graduates as they received their diplomas by Dr. Lewis and Ibarra, first to the ASB and Class Officers, Valedictorian and Salutatorians then the rest of the graduates, as friends, families and classmates cheered.

Class President Galiwango led the class in the turning of the tassels before they celebrated with hugs and tossing of their caps, before the recessional song of “It’s About Da** Time” played.

See the video of the graduation ceremonies by DVTV.

Congratulations, graduates. Make Antioch proud!

By Selena Cedano & Allen D. Payton

The 413 graduates of the Antioch High School Class of 2023 celebrated with their family and friends inside Eells Stadium Friday morning, June 9. They filed in to the traditional sounds of Pomp and Circumstance followed by a performance by the Music Masters, led by Director Katelyn Mason, of the National Anthem and “Not to Say Goodbye”.

ASB President, and 2022 Antioch Youth of the Year, Mateo Ismael Castro offered welcoming remarks. “Just remember, even though we go our separate ways we remain in each other’s hearts and always hold the ones you love in your heart. Hold them dearly,” he said. “Cherish the people around you because tomorrow is not promised, and hate can’t be taken back. Always be kind, hug each other and love one another. Laugh with your loved ones. Take breaths, smile when you can and always tell that person you love them. Never stay mad at each other because tomorrow everything can be gone.”

He was followed by Principal John Jimno in his first year in the position.

“Keep going in life. We are so proud of your achievements and accomplishments throughout these past years,” he shared.

Valedictorian Ruben Sandoval Ruiz offered encouraging comments to his classmates.

“Stand together through tough times,” he said. “Be your best self. Love yourself. Take challenges. Be brave.”

Salutatorian Zachary David White reflected on their four years in high school.

“The pain of the pandemic made us. The growth changed us,” he stated. “Stay positive in life even when it’s hard.”

Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha officially acknowledged the class on behalf of the school board.

“Life is full of surprises. Take it as it comes. Be wise”, she said.

Before accepting the class for meeting the state and district requirements to graduate, Superintendent Stephanie Anello said, “No dream or goal is ever too big for what you can accomplish. Think big. Reach high.

Senior Class President Carol Cervantes spoke last before leading the graduates in the turning of their tassels. “When we are down in our time of need, be a friend,” she said. “Be kind in a big world.”

The graduates then celebrated their shared accomplishment with hugs and a few tossing their caps, as family and friends cheered.

See video of the graduation ceremonies on the AUSD YouTube Channel.

Congratulations, graduates. Make Antioch proud!

By Allen D. Payton

After the 153 graduates of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School’s Class of 2023 filed into the Deer Valley High quad amphitheater to the traditional sounds of Pomp and Circumstance, senior and fellow graduate Rosaly Crisp sang the National Anthem and ASB President Arana Amin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Principal Karen Clark then introduced local dignitaries, including school board Trustees Gary Hack, Mary Rocha and Antonio Hernandez, and Superintendent Stephanie Anello.

“It’s a great day to be back at Dozier Libbey Medical High School but it’s an even better day to be graduating,” said Area 1 Trustee Hernandez, a Class of 2012 alum of the school, during his opening remarks.

He was followed by Commencement Speaker and Class of 2023 graduate Briana Galindo.

“We learned to be creative…and stay strong during times of uncertainty,” she said about their experience during distance learning of the COVID pandemic.

“Class of 2023, these past four years we’ve all grown as individuals. We’ve embraced the values we were taught from the beginning,” Galindo continued. “Dozier-Libbey prepared us. Let these four years be the foundation of what we can do and what we are capable of. I’m proud of you all. We will continue to persevere, chase our ambitions and become the change makers.”

In closing she thanked their teachers and parents.

After the presentation of the Class of 2023 by Principal Clark, she spoke of the students’ experience during distance learning.

“The challenges…you’ve faced have forever shaped all of us…managing your own time,” she said. “Together we conquered many, many obstacles.”

“It is our hope that DLMHS has instilled the qualities of compassion, empathy and understanding… navigating the complex career of healthcare or any other career you will pursue,” Clark added.

Superintendent Anello accepted the class having completed the graduation requirements of the Antioch Unified School District and State of California. “Henceforth you are to be considered graduates and alumni of Dozie-Libbey Medical High School. Congratulations,” she said.

As their names were read by Principal Clark and Vice Principal Mark Libbey, the son of one of the namesakes of the school, the graduates were presented their diplomas by Trustees Hernandez and Rocha.

Class President Saniya Maka led her classmates in the turning of their tassels and the graduates celebrated, hugged and tossed their caps in the air as their family and friends cheered and the song Don’t Stop Believing by Journey played during the recessional.

See video of the graduation ceremonies on the AUSD YouTube Channel.

Congratulations, graduates. Make Antioch proud!

Starring Antioch youth at Nick Rodriguez Community Theater

Presented by Aspire Youth Engagement Programs, Inc. Visual & Performing Arts Academy and City of Antioch

Come watch Annie, Jr., the exciting musical based on the popular Tony-winning musical Annie. Follow the journey of a young orphan, Annie as she determines to find her parents!

This exciting show, free to the public, features Antioch scholars, from kindergarten through 12th grade, mounting the stage in dance, song and theater performances.

With over 18 years of experience with providing impactful youth services programs throughout Northern California, Pittsburg-based Aspire Youth Engagement Programs, Inc. continue to excel as leaders in the industry, keeping our pulse to the ever-changing needs of today’s youth, while creating relevant and fresh programs that make a difference.  Aspire Programs among others include:

• City of Antioch (January 2022-present)

a. “Annie, Jr.” our upcoming production coming on Friday and Saturday, June 23rd and 24th at the Nick Rodriguez Community Theater at 213 F Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. This production, free to the public features scholars, Kinder-12th grade from the city of Antioch, mounting the stage in Dance, Song and Theater performances.

b.  Musical Production – “The Wiz Jr.” – City of Antioch (2022)

c.  Painting & Spoken Word (Middle School/High School scholars – City of Antioch – Summer 2022)

d.  Basketball Summer Camp (13- to 17-year-old boys) June 20th – July 15th (38 scholars)

• After School Programs which includes Dance, Theatre and Voice/Choir (Pittsburg Unified School District ‘PUSD’ – 2018-present)

• Bay Point – Dance Classes (1st-8th Grade), Ambrose Community Center (March-June 2023)

• Visual & Performing Arts Academy

a. Annual Holiday Musical Production “Joy – The Urban Nutcracker – (88 Scholars from Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley and Pittsburg). Performed at Pittsburg Creative Arts Building, Big Theater, December 10, 2022;

• STEM & STEAM Programs (PUSD, April 2020; April 2021; April,2022 (virtual)

• Girl’s Leadership Program (Social Etiquette, Fashion, Future Leaders)

OUR MISSION

Aspire Youth Engagement Programs are designed to help Kinder – 12th grade scholars discover and develop their true potential focusing on key areas of growth – academically, emotionally and through leadership development – to become their best within the community.

THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

The performing arts are intrinsically valuable for the beauty and fulfillment they bring, but researchers have observed that it also brings other benefits such as Empathy, Academic Performance, and Self Esteem. Performing onstage is frightening for newcomers, which is why students feel an immense confidence boost after they practice hard, work together, and successfully stage a play for friends, the community and family. The kids in our programs practice teamwork, gain confidence, learn leadership and build a skill set not only for a theater stage, but for the real world.

Victims include four other females, two males; police seek unknown suspect(s)

By Lt. John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Sunday, June 11, 2023 at approximately 12:58 AM, the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center started receiving numerous 9-1-1 calls reporting multiple gunshots being fired at a residence in the 3300 block of Sunset Lane.

As officers were responding, witnesses called to report several victims had been shot. When officers arrived at the scene, they located multiple victims outside, and a large crowd. Officers were told a birthday party for a 19-year-old male was being held at the residence, which attracted a lot of party-goers. During the party, multiple shots were fired after some uninvited guests arrived. This created a panic where attendees, to include gunshot victims, fled in multiple directions and into the neighborhood. Many victims drove themselves to local area hospitals.

After numerous officers secured the scene, it was determined a total of seven (7) people suffered from gunshot wounds.

– (1) 18-year-old female was transported to a local area hospital and succumbed to her injuries

– (1) 18-year-old male suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound

– (2) 19-year-old females and (1) 19-year-old male suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds

– (2) 20-year-old females suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds

Prior to police arrival, the suspect(s) fled the area in a vehicle and have not been contacted by police. Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Currently, detectives are interviewing numerous witnesses and residents in the area and are working to identify any suspects or persons-of-interest. The investigation is still active, and evidence is being collected.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Gragg, rgragg@antiochca.gov at (925) 779-6889, or Detective Duffy, aduffy@antiochca.gov at (925) 779-6884. You may also text-a-tip anonymously to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

2023 Graduation Schedule:

Tuesday, June 6 – 7:00 p.m. – Prospects High School

Wednesday, June 7 – 7:00 p.m. – Bidwell High School

Wednesday, June 7 – 7:00 p.m. – Live Oak High School

Thursday, June 8 – 8:00 p.m. – Dozier-Libbey Medical High School

Friday, June 9 – 9:00 a.m. – Antioch High School

Friday, June 9 – 9:00 a.m. – Deer Valley High School

For more information visit www.antiochschools.net.

Honored with Award of Excellence; plans to be a neuro or general surgeon

ANTIOCH, CALIFORNIA — Jewel Milan-Rose Baker, an 11th grader and honor student at Dozier-Libbey Medical High School in Antioch, California has been chosen as a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders to be held June 21-23, 2023, just outside Boston, on the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus.

The Congress is an honors-only program by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country interested in these careers, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.

Baker’s nomination was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists to represent Dozier-Libbey Medical High School based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

“I’m happy to announce my nomination for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence for outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and determination to serve humanity in medicine,” Baker stated. “It is a gift and an excellent opportunity I look forward to participating in.”

During the three-day Congress, Baker will join students from across the country and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science recipients discuss leading medical research; be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.

About her future plans Baker says, “I aim to become a neuro or general surgeon.”

For now, she is a member of the school’s Key Club, will be participating as a member of the Leadership Club and plans to run for senior class vice-president in the fall of 2023-24. Outside of school, her hobbies include reading and gardening. Baker also enjoys volunteering at the Antioch Library, lending a hand at the senior center when needed, and spending time with family and friends as much as possible. As a former Oakland School of the Arts student, she enjoyed the theater performance in which she studied.

Certified in CPR, Baker is an avid swimmer and this summer, she will be working her first job as a lifeguard at Hurricane Harbor Waterpark in Concord, CA.

This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially. Focused, bright and determined students like Jewel Baker are our future and she deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give her.

The Academy offers free services and programs to students who want to become physicians or go into medical science. Some of the services and programs the Academy offers are online social networks through which future doctors and medical scientists can communicate; opportunities for students to be guided and mentored by physicians and medical students; and communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skills acquisition, internships, career guidance and much more.

The National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists was founded on the belief that we must identify prospective medical talent at the earliest possible age and help these students acquire the necessary experience and skills to take them to the doorstep of this vital career. Based in Washington, D.C. and with offices in Boston, MA, the Academy was chartered as a nonpartisan, taxpaying institution to help address this crisis by working to identify, encourage and mentor students who wish to devote their lives to the service of humanity as physicians, medical scientists.

For more information about the program visit www.FutureDocs.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.