Schools

'No Matter What:' Murrieta Mesa High School Celebrates Class of 2013

The 565 graduates who received their diplomas Wednesday evening at Murrieta Mesa High School were the first to complete all four years at the campus that opened in 2009.

Murrieta Mesa High School Principal Mary Walters may always get a little choked up when she thinks of the Class of 2013.

The 565 graduates who received their diplomas Wednesday evening at Ram Stadium were the first to complete all four years at the campus that opened in 2009.

“Our theme for this year is ‘No Matter What,’” said Walters, fighting tears. “It is not easy to build a school from the ground up...but you worked hard, got good grades, got involved in the school and in the community...This will serve you well in the future....Class of 2013, you are phenomenal.”

The graduates—beaming with Ram PRIDE in their green caps and gowns as their families, teachers, administrators and friends looked on—proved her point.

Seventy-three members of the Murrieta Mesa High School Class of 2013 graduated with a 3.75 GPA or higher. Thirty-one students will serve in the military, while 84 percent of the graduates have committed to attending a technical or vocational school, a two-year college or a four-year university.

Whichever path they have chosen, Co-Valedictorian Jacob Schuler reminded his classmates not to forget who helped them get there. Their families, teachers, friends have all been influential in their lives, he said.

“They have picked us up and dusted us off,” Jacob said.

Co-Valedictorian Kathia “Allie” Gonzalez-Gallo urged her fellow graduates to “actively live each day.”

“Being alive is biological; truly living is a choice,” Allie said.

Salutatorian Joanie Rutherford encouraged her classmates to look inward when choosing their paths.

“Every person defines their own success,” Joanie said.

For Rams football player Garrett Andrews, that means being an example to his younger siblings. The defensive tackle will play for Southern Oregon University in the fall, while studying criminal justice. He aims to be police officer one day.

Rams cheerleader and softball player Capri Maher will serve in the Army National Guard when she graduates from California State University San Bernardino.

She agreed that Mesa’s motto, “Pursue Your Passion, Leave a Legacy,” was true in her case.

“My little brother has a heart problem, so I’ve always been interested in helping people with disabilities,” Capri said, of her goal to earn a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy.

Murrieta Valley Unified School District Superintendent Pat Kelley told the graduates they may experience failures along the way. They should use those experiences to their advantage, he said.

“When you fall, always fall forward,” Kelley said.


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