A child of drug-addicted parents including a father who died due to an overdose and a mother who relinquished custody, Michael Tisdale shared how Cabrillo High School provided more than an education but also a future.
“When I arrived at Cabrillo, college wasn’t even on my radar, but Ms (Robin) Dornan and Mrs. (Nancy) Pacheco showed me that it was possible for a first-generation student like me to dream of attending college,” Tisdale said Thursday afternoon during “CONQuer address.”
Through unique programs like the Cabrillo High School Aquarium that helped him grow, Tisdale, who ended up in the foster care system before being raised by his grandparents, said he learned as a Cabrillo Conquistadore his background wouldn’t hinder his success.
“Cabrillo literally made college possible for me,” he said during his emotional speech, adding he reconnected with his biological mother, who has marked 10 years of sobriety and attended the ceremony.
Confessing he once felt shame he didn’t have parents present in his life, Tisdale used his speech to express appreciation for his selfless grandparents who raised him and five other grandchildren.
Tisdale’s time at Cabrillo connect him to staff and students he credited for helping guide him.
“The support from these people gave me the courage to rise above and no matter how difficult things may seem, you are not a product of your circumstances,” said Tisdale, who plans to attend University of California, Davis to study electrical engineering.
“I am living proof of this. With the right support and opportunities, we can rise above our challenges and thrive,” he said, reminding his fellow graduates they will encounter new challenges they can conquer and end with success.
During separate ceremonies on different days, Cabrillo and Lompoc high schools celebrated the class of 2024 and their achievements.
Other speakers at Thursday’s CHS ceremony included Joanne Cacho, Associated Student Body executive president; Mia Blackburn, senior class president; Ella Luther with the scholar address; and Kali Rosales, senior class treasurer.
“Take advantage of the time you have, this life you have to live, to write a compelling personal story of strength and positivity and kindness and success,” Principal Brian Grimnes said.
“Consider your place in the world and how you can be a gift and a support to others in your next chapter of life. Now is your opportunity to not only challenge and change yourself but also to change the world.”
After a thick marine layer cleared in time for the Friday morning ceremony at Lompoc High School, senior class president Iwalani Martinson, also class valedictorian, told her classmates to continue to grow beyond expectations as they move on in life.
She shared that her high school education expanded beyond academics, reminding her fellow graduates their stories need to be told and deserve to be cherished.
“If I learned anything these past four years, it’s that fighting for yourself is the most empowering thing you can do,” she said, recalling being timid upon entering high school and leaving as a different person.
Other speakers during the ceremony were Benjamin Barthel and Kellon Flaherty with the distinguished scholar addresses plus Brave Pride presentation by Avery Torres, also the Associated Student Body president.
“Proud” Principal Celeste Pico noted she began her career as a Lompoc High principal while the class of 2024, with 350 members, were freshmen as they all continued deal with the pandemic.
“Little did we know that those initial steps would pave the way for a journey defined by resilience, grit and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” she said.
Many students overcame mental health challenges and remained strong through uncertainties, displaying an incredible capacity to adapt, grow and thrive, she added.
“Your tenacity is inspiring, and it’s been a privilege to witness your transformation into the exceptional individuals before us today,” she said before recounting the many successes in sports, academics and other activities.
This is the first year in recent memory that the LUSD high school graduation ceremonies took place on separate days.
“Thank you, each of you, for giving us hope. There are many, many challenges in the world today,” Superintendent Clara Finneran told the Lompoc High graduates Friday in a message similar to one she delivered Thursday at Cabrillo High.
“We know you will make the world a better place,” she added.
