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Located in Tucson, AZ, La Mariposa Resort provides the perfect, serene setting for San Pedro Valley Academy students to participate in a ceremony commemorating their dream of graduating from high school. Parents, siblings, extended family members and friends join in this special celebration. Our gorgeous Tucson sunsets provide the perfect backdrop to this important rite of passage for the new graduates.
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Each student composes a speech to share with the attendees. Most of the graduates' speeches focus on the struggles they had endured, experiences with school failure and resulting low self-esteem and their renewed excitement/commitment to their education. A prevalent theme of the students' presentations is the difficulties they encountered in a traditional high school setting and their reluctance to believe they could successfully graduate and go on to college. Many express their satisfaction at achieving high grades and their excitement for their future plans, which they share with all in attendance. The following excerpt from one student’s remarks at a recent ceremony exemplifies the difficulties our students typically face and the significance of achieving this important milestone:
"Behold I do not give lectures or a little charity, When I give I give myself."
-Walt Whitman
"I truly believe this is the only way I can give. Prior to enrollment at San Pedro Valley Academy, I was able to see the reality of this. I put my all into acrobatics, and there I strived and reached the top. When I put my effort in to some activity, I would reach my goal or do all that I could to reach it. My success was in my own hands and due to my determination.
Unfortunately, my focus was not always on what was in my best interests. At first, my priorities in high school were not well focused. I began priorities began to fixate on unhealthy activities, which took its toll on me and all I worked towards.
When I arrived at the Academy, I recommitted my determination to achieve my goals in life. San Pedro Valley Academy has given me the opportunity to graduate high school with a GPA that before was slowly diminishing. I have been able to complete my senior year, as well as improve on my previously completed courses. My teachers have provided me with the assistance I needed to finish high school, prepare for college, and continue toward my goal of higher education. I have also been given the privilege of helping others achieve similar goals.
I would like to thank my family for supporting me through my education, and life, all the teachers at San Pedro Valley Academy, and lastly, Patrick Barrasso, for if there was no San Pedro Valley Academy, I don't know where I would be today. So, thank you."
-San Pedro Valley Academy Graduate
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