Nearly 100 Knights from Academy for Academic Excellence in Apple Valley turned tassels

Nearly 100 senior knights from Apple Valley's Academy for Academic Excellence turned tassels during the school’s annual commencement ceremony on Friday at High Desert Church in Victorville.

Before the ceremony, seniors dressed in blue and white caps and gowns exchanged hugs, selfies and conversations as they prepared to enter the main auditorium, where excited loved ones waited anxiously.

Principal Chet Richards welcomed the audience to the ceremony, which was kicked off with Pomp and Circumstance and a flag presentation by the academy’s Space Force- JROTC.

Senior Class President Rachael Misaki Rios led the Pledge of Allegiance before the Star Spangled Banner was played by the Knight’s Band.

A slide presentation honoring alumni who had previously entered military service was shown before Richards introduced class valedictorians, salutatorians and their parents.

Valedictorians included Alejandro Aguirre, Tyler Izadi and Rios. The salutatorians were Noah Vega and Isaac Jimenez.

During the valedictorian address, Aguirre shared his gratitude and said “I love you” to God, friends, family, teachers, administrators and his girlfriend, Brooke.

Aguirre’s address to classmates was filled with words of encouragement. He also reminded them of the challenges they faced such as remote learning after COVID-19 temporarily shuttered schools beginning in March 2020.

Borrowing a partial line from the rapper Pitbull, Aguirre told the class, “I saw, I came, I conquered, or should I say, we saw and we conquered.”

Aguirre’s speech turned humorous as he shared candid moments shared by graduates. He also doled out verbal awards to classmates, such as those “most likely to” miss a game-winning shot or be involved in a fender bender.

Aguirre also paid tribute to fellow graduate Alex Alan Parraga as the one “most likely to beat cancer” twice.

‘Parraga Strong’

The son of Jeffrey and Stephanie Parraga, and twin brother of Zachary Ray Parraga, Alex was active with JROTC and soccer team until he was diagnosed with cancer on the knee and calcified spots in his lungs.

Alex’s treatment at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital included multiple rounds of chemotherapy. Doctors would also replace his left knee and a portion of his upper thigh and lower leg.

In August 2022, Alex’s cancer was in remission, however, two months later, doctors found that the cancer had metastasized to his lungs, Loma Linda officials said.

At that time, Athletic Director Scott Gormley started the movement “Parraga Strong” to raise money for Alex’s medical expenses.

Many parents, staff and volunteers at the graduation ceremony wore black T-shirts with blue and yellow text that read “Parraga Strong.”

After undergoing lung surgery, Alex will continue to be treated at Loma Linda UCH.

In a video produced by Loma Linda University Health, Alex shared his fears and positive mental attitude as he fights cancer.

“I don't want to be defined as the kid with cancer and I don't need people's pity — I just want to be Alex,” he said.

During the ceremony, Alex walked across the stage to receive his diploma as the audience cheered.

School accomplishments

Pianist senior Daisy Sophie Combs played a medley and also shared a video of “Senior Moments,” which included seniors offering their thoughts.

President/CEO Lisa Lamb of the Lewis Center for Educational Research in Apple Valley told the audience that Alex’s bravery in the face of cancer “is an example to all of us.”

Lamb also recalled victories the class of 2023 accomplished in academics, sports, CIF competition SF-ROTC, and other activities.

She also mentioned Aguirre, a Cadet Chief Master Sgt. with the SF-JROTC, who earned his pilot's license through a program offered by Air Force JROTC headquarters called Flight Academy.

At one point, the band “All Hollow,” composed of seniors Isaac Jimenez, Aiden Herrick, Aiden Jones, Elijah Munoz and guest singer Dante Marenco performed the song The Middle by Jimmy Eat World.

As the song ended, one of the band's singers appeared to dive into the drum set, flattening the musical equipment to the surprise of many.

Shining knights

Principal Richards told the graduates that the school’s mascot, an armor-wearing knight, was a symbol of justice, mercy, faith, generosity, nobility, courage and honor —all characteristics expected of students before and after graduation, Richards said.

After the turning of tassels, loved ones showered their graduates with hugs, kisses, flowers, balloons and stuffed animals.

Rochelle Arostegui, the mother of senior SF-JROTC Cadets Carlos Andrade Jr. and Diego Andrade, told the Daily Press she thinks it’s incredible that 30% of the senior class has been at school since kindergarten.

“There are about six high school seniors that are also graduating at Victor Valley College on June 14 with their AA completed,” Arostegui said. “My twin boys are amongst two of them to be graduating with a degree under their belt at age 17.”

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Seniors from Academy for Academic Excellence turned tassels