Every year, M-A seniors choose a teacher from a special list to hand them their diploma as they walk the stage at graduation. As graduation nears and seniors begin to say goodbye, it’s time to choose who’s handing them their diploma.
Senior Lucas Selvik asked English Language Development and English teacher Lisa Otsuka to hand him his diploma because of her strong sense of empathy and kindness. “She works hard to create an uplifting environment in her classroom, giving each of her students personal attention. I strive to have half her empathy when I am an adult,” Selvik said.
In Otsuka’s class, Selvik not only learned lessons about English, but about life. “I learned that how we engage with others is crucial to our happiness, and even a small act of kindness goes a long way,” he said.
Throughout the year, Selvik and Otsuka have built a strong connection. “What don’t I love about Lucas? He’s a phenomenal student, but he’s also an A+ human being,” Otsuka said. “You’re happy every time you see him. He always has a good attitude about being in class. It’s been a delight to be his teacher.”
Senior Claire Chang chose Ceramics teacher Mike Burton-Tilson to hand over her diploma. She took his ceramics class as a junior and is currently his technical assistant. “I chose him because he’s a really sweet and kind teacher. One time, I helped him mix and pug clay, so he bought me Cheetos from the student store. It’s obvious that he cares about his students.”
Through Burton-Tilson’s class, Chang has had the chance to explore her creativity. “I’ve learned new ceramics skills such as hand building and glazing techniques, but also what I value creatively. My skills have really improved in his class. I definitely want to continue making ceramic pieces in college,” she said.
Burton-Tilson has equally enjoyed having Chang in his class. “She’s always willing to help. When I ask her to do something, she’ll drop whatever she’s doing and assist me without asking questions. She’s also really creative, so it’s fun to watch her creativity come out in different ways,” he said.
Senior Jenny Aguilar chose Government and Economics teacher Stephanie Cuff-Alvarado to present her with her diploma. “I felt like I could really connect with her. We share lots of the same interests, we have the same energy, and she’s a teacher who’s been there for me that I deeply admire and trust,” she said.
Cuff-Alvarado and Aguilar have bonded over a similar sense of humor throughout the year. “Jenny is incredibly witty. I love the goofy memes she’s made for me. I would say that she’s a quiet and gentle soul but is deeply witty underneath all of that,” Cuff-Alvarado said. “She’s got a heart of gold, that’s the best way to describe her— she’s incredibly sweet, kind, and exactly the kind of person you want to have as a friend.”
Senior Jacqueline Ortiz chose former AVID and current English teacher Anton Gerth to be her diploma giver. “I chose him because he’s the main teacher who has made my high school experience better.” At lunch, Ortiz and her friends often sit in Gerth’s classroom. “He always encourages us and brings smiles to our faces,” she said.
As her first AVID teacher for two years, he taught her many skills. “In his class I learned how to be organized and be able to succeed in college. He truly has been a main point in my high school experience and overall has made it better by being there for me and for my friends.”
Having known Ortiz since she first arrived at M-A, Gerth is more than happy to share this moment with her. “As a sophomore teacher, I don’t get asked very often to hand diplomas, so having Jackie ask me gives me a sense of pride,” he said. “We’ve had lots of good, in-depth conversations. She’s felt comfortable in my classroom and has wanted to know more about me as a teacher,” he said.
