Maple High graduates record number of 67 during emotional ceremony

Wallace beamed with pride as she described milestones for the school that draws about 150 students annually. 

“Mostly, I feel a lot of pride for the kids and for the school,” Wallace said. “Today, I’m thinking of how proud I am of every single one of them.”

Wallace has served as principal for three years on the campus. Last year, there were 60 graduates, which was a previous record. But during this breezy Wednesday afternoon, Wallace marveled at an even higher success rate. She also lauded her students for overcoming personal setbacks and tribulations to graduate. 

“These kids are the success story. They’re the definition of grit and perseverance,” Wallace said.

During her graduation speech, student body representative Isabella Nipper admitted she once isolated herself from everyone. But once she arrived at Maple, she told the crowd she came out of her shell and formed a bond with her teachers and classmates.    

“Before I came to Maple I was shy, introverted and had no drive towards my future because of my past trauma. Unmotivated, depressed and burning with self-hate was how I would describe myself,” Nipper said while fighting back tears. “But now, I’m doing great things. I just graduated in the youth leadership of Lompoc Valley, I attended the Rotary youth leadership awards and I’m currently running for Flower Festival queen. What has happened to me doesn’t define me but can strengthen me.”

Jessica Lopez, Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) student speaker, spoke of her struggles being a single mom and thanked her grandmother.

“Thank you for raising me and my sister as if we were your own. And thank you so much for taking care of my baby each and every day while attending Maple,” Lopez said through tears. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Gabby Gonzalez spoke on behalf of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) students. She praised Maple for changing her life.

“This school is mostly known for dropouts and bad kids. I know many people believe that, but my time here has opened my eyes. It has shown me what hard work and dedication can get you,” Gonzalez said. “To me, Maple is a place where you can redefine yourself as a student and find the push you need to motivate yourself.”

Macias, who once attended Cabrillo High, had to overcome family challenges to solidify his future with San Jose State. He was accepted in January and plans to study biochemical engineering plus pursue medical school after obtaining his degree.

“I had a lot of ups and downs, a lot of personal strife. But I never let that stop me,” Macias said following the ceremony. “I had to move out of my house at a young age. I continued to pick up where I left off by living with my grandparents. They and my aunt helped me.”

Macias arrived at Maple during his senior season. Like Gonzalez, Macias will leave with a new perspective of the school.

“I was like ‘I didn’t want to go to Maple’ and will figure out some other alternative. I thought everyone here was ghetto or a gangbanger. But I came here and the people I met were nothing but nice and polite. This graduation, I think, changes the whole stereotype and image of Maple,” Macias said.