GALT, CA (MPG) - With a graduation ceremony on June 4, Estrellita High School celebrated years of hard work by 18 students.

“Each of you has overcome unique challenges, navigated obstacles and persevered with unwavering strength to reach this pivotal moment in your life,” Estrellita Principal Joe Schallberger told the graduating class. “Today, we celebrate not only your academic achievement but your courage and your perseverance and your commitment to never give up, no matter the odds.”

Schallberger continued that “life is a continuous learning experience and every setback, every triumph and every moment of growth is an opportunity to further enrich your understanding of the world and yourselves.”

Estrellita recognizes three students, nominated and selected by teachers, for demonstrating citizenship, “grit” and academic achievement.

The Citizenship Award, for a student exemplifying great character, was given to Daniel Zaragoza, who served as Estrellita’s student representative on the high school district board.

“I look forward to what he’s going to accomplish in the future,” social studies teacher Clark Carter said before presenting the award.

The Grit Award recognizes perseverance, and science teacher Doug Till named Joseph Dominguez as the recipient.

“This student kept his focus when those around him didn’t. He didn’t pay any heed to the drama that was surrounding him,” Till said, commending Dominguez’s respectful attitude and dedication to finishing assignments.

The Academic Achievement Award and an accompanying scholarship went to Aurora Watson.

English teacher Doug Parrott praised Watson for editing her work multiple times, “aiming for that perfect score.”

“Also, this student had, and I assume still has, a deep desire to actually learn. Almost every day at lunch, I could count on a deeper discussion of the plot, characters and themes of whatever we were reading, which I love,” Parrott said.

The Estrellita graduates of 2024 are Zaragoza, Dominguez, Watson, Briana Alfaro, Joe Bracamonte, Nicole Brinkherhoff, Christopher Campos, Isaac Castillo, Edwin Cervantes, Jordon Davis, Enrique Dominguez, Gabriel Garcia, T.J. Klein, Stefani Medina-Cerros, Matthew Peterson, Omar Ramirez, Justin Razo and Cody Shelton.