East Palo Alto Academy seniors graduate

Themes of family, friendship and community punctuate an exuberant commencement ceremony on June 2 at Stanford's Memorial Auditorium.

Photos by Steve Castillo

Seven years ago, Sonia Sanchez graduated from East Palo Alto Academy high school with plans to go to UC Berkeley. A first generation college student from a family that worked hard but got paid little, Sanchez knew it would be tough — financially, academically and emotionally — to make her dreams of a college degree come true.

But on Tuesday, June 2, she took the stage at Stanford’s Memorial Auditorium in front of this year's 46 graduating seniors, their families, teachers and friends to relay a message about her own experience after EPAA: "I can now say that my team won. We graduated from college."

Sanchez used the word “We” instead of “I” to emphasize that her success relied on many others. "You are fortunate to have been part of a school community where there is always a person right by your side who believes in you and wants you to be successful," she told the Class of 2015.

"The good news is, support is always available if you seek it,” she said. “Do not be shy or afraid to ask for help. Accept support. Remember, you do not have to do it alone."

Sanchez’s own team included her family, teachers, community members, friends and professors who were on her side and helped her move forward. And she paid special tribute to her "guardian angels," John and Sylvia Hughes, who have provided financial assistance to her and other EPAA graduates so that they could attend college.

Founded in 2001 after community leaders asked Stanford to develop a charter school, EPAA today serves more than 280 students in grades 9-12 under an agreement with Sequoia Union High School District. The school still has a strong partnership with Stanford, and as part of that relationship, holds its graduations each year on the university campus, a few miles from its own.

Graduates entered Memorial Auditorium to "Pomp and Circumstance," their traditional black gowns adorned with fresh flower leis and candy necklaces. Caps were decorated with glitter and flowers, and tape on top spelled out the colleges they planned to attend. Families and friends snapped photos, cheered, jumped up and hollered for the school's 11th graduating class.

The ceremony began with three students welcoming the crowd in English, Spanish and Tongan, respectively, reflecting the diverse population of the school.

Sofia Hibbs, acting principal of EPAA, then stood at the lectern, calling the day a milestone, a passing into adulthood. "You are in the driver's seat," she said. "While we will still be here, you are ultimately in charge."

Stanford Professor Linda Darling-Hammond assured them they were ready for their new roles in college or career. "You have a unique education from East Palo Alto Academy that has prepared you … in some extraordinary ways," she said, highlighting programs and assignments that required students to explain, critique and research.

Sequoia Superintendent James Lianides further celebrated the educational experience at EPAA carved from its close relationship to Stanford.

"We look forward to many, many more years of a partnership like this working together so that all of you as students can go to a high school with very strong expectations and opportunities and graduate with the skills and ambition and ideas to really carry yourselves forward," he said.

About halfway through the ceremony, as has become tradition, a group of students sent their classmates off with a song. This year, three seniors sang an original piece as the audience cheered them on.

"Through the highs and lows, together we grow," they sang. "Hands up, you make somebody proud."

The themes of support and community reverberated throughout the ceremony.

"Everyone is close to each other," said senior Joanna Centeno-Garcia, who plans to attend the College of San Mateo this fall. "We're connected."

Added Karina Soria Mendoza: "Each class of EPAA is unique. We keep on each other to get stuff done, to do your best."

To do their best, many in this class had to overcome significant challenges. Nearly all students at EPAA qualify for free or reduced lunch, and a majority don't speak English as their primary language at home. Most also have parents who did not graduate high school. Many are the first in their families to go to college.

With these challenges, the students say, there also comes pressure to be role models for younger siblings and sometimes the inspiration for a whole community.

"You have to set the example," said senior Nancy Rivera, who is expected to start at San Francisco State University this fall. "I am now the role model in my family. Everyone is interested in my success."

During her speech, Sanchez shared some of the worries she had when she first arrived at UC Berkeley – that she might not fit in or could not handle the stress of college. She encouraged the new graduates to find a way to persevere.

"The education you've received and the experiences you have had thus far are your tools to take on the world," she said.

Sanchez offered special thanks to John and Sylvia Hughes. For the past 10 years, the Hughes Family Scholarship has helped EPAA graduates go to college by providing assistance for room, board, tuition or other costs. Sanchez was a fund recipient.

"I am not alone in having my dream supported by Mr. and Mrs. Hughes," she said as Sylvia Hughes looked on from the audience. "I will forever be grateful for that support."

Sanchez announced that every EPAA alumni who has received support from the Hughes' (about a dozen) has now made his or her own gift, in honor of the couple, to a scholarship fund at EPAA.

"We want to pay it forward and to help change the lives of other EPAA graduates in the ways that you have changed our lives," Sanchez said. "We thank you for showing us how to do this."

Hughes, who attended this year's graduation with her daughter, Kristen, said she was inspired to give because she received similar support after immigrating from Slovenia to the United States when she was 8. She earned a scholarship to UC Berkeley.

"I really believe in education," said Hughes. "I have been very fortunate, and I just feel like everyone should get the chance to go to college."

After the ceremony, parents and scholarship recipients thanked Hughes for her generosity as teachers, siblings, alumni and friends mingled in the sunshine. High-fives and hugs spread through the crowd. Balloons and flowers decorated the patio.

"It's so special seeing everyone come together," remarked Maria Jose Flockhart, director of student wellness at EPAA. "We really are a huge family."