Overcoming obstacles: Ocean Beach Options Academy celebrates ‘resilient’ 2024 class

Published 8:19 am Monday, June 10, 2024

LONG BEACH — Being resilient and overcoming obstacles has been a hallmark of the Ocean Beach Options Academy Class of 2024.

“We are small, but we are mighty,” was the motto for the class that celebrated 21 graduates last Friday, June 7, at VanOver Gymnasium in Long Beach.

OBOA Principal Amy Huntley addressed the students individually as she certified their graduation, using the school’s Pirate mascot as a metaphor while referencing lessons students learned on their way to graduation day.

“Over the years you’ve navigated rough seas and braved the storms … Today you stand tall as seasoned pirates, ready to set sail in the vast ocean of life,” Huntley said, wearing a black tricorn hat and red pirate regalia.

“As pirates, we embody courage, resilience and the relentless pursuit of our journeys. We’ve learned to chart our own course, to steer through adversity and always keep our eyes on the horizon … Just like the pirate forbearers, you have the power to create your own destiny … Cherish the friends you’ve made and carry the spirit of camaraderie, however choose your future crew mates wisely … As you leave the safe harbor of the Ocean Beach School District, remember that you carry the pirate spirit within you.”

School board members presented the diplomas to each student before the tassel turning ceremony, where each student moved their tassel from the right to the left signifying their completion of high school.

Members of the 2024 OBOA graduating class include: Ruby Berry, Grady Cox, Max Crawford, Olivia Crete, Trenton Emler, Lillian Gibson, Christopher Heward, Jr., Cannon Johnson, Antonio Kamon, Jerred Laney, Angelina Leone-Campbell, Jordan McBane, Lilith Parks-Simpson, Nicholas Palmer, Avery Ross, Skylar Shanks, Bowen Stamp, Julie Sterling, Lahela Vaughn, Spirit Welch and Abbiegail Williams.