Vista Oaks Scoop
Creative Content Written By Students For Students
Class of 2023 Edition
Graduates Feel Prepared, Excited and Terrified As VO Chapter Ends
By Paula King
SCOOP ADVISOR
Speakers at the Class of 2023 Commencement Ceremony expressed feelings of being terrified, excited and yet prepared for future endeavors upon graduation this week. This Vista Oaks class boasts 18 students who have already completed at least one college course, 13 graduates who have completed two or more college courses, a student who is playing violin with a symphony orchestra, a student who is a semi-professional soccer player and senior Edward Schuck who earned both his AA degree and high school diploma and will transfer to San Francisco State University.
“I’m terrified, but I believe I’m prepared because I’m a student of Vista Oaks,” said valedictorian Ryan Tieu who plans to attend medical school and has a 4.4 GPA.
According to VO Executive Director Joy Groen, this is a remarkable graduating class with a wide range of passions and interests. Many of the graduates received outstanding academic achievements and graduated with honors.
“This is a caring and thougthful group who looks out for those around them,” said Groen.
Graduate speaker Alana Seals compared the four grades of high school to the four phases of a butterfly’s life cycle. In a short time, she noted that butterflies undergo much change and growth just as high school students endure drastic changes.
“Class of 2023, each of you and every one of you has gone through changes to become the person you are today…” she said. “We are an exceptional class whose chapter is coming to an end, but another brand new chapter is just beginning. Life has so much in store for each and every one of you.”
Graduating senior Haley Young will attend the University of Utah and pursue a degree in computer science. Graduate Kenedy Ransom has been accepted into the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and wants to work for Disney someday.
Many graduates completed the graduation requirements in December and are already taking college courses at Los Medanos College and San Joaquin Delta College. Midway through the ceremony at the Brentwood Community Center, VO Associate Director Al Seyford brought some humor to the inspirational and reflective event.
“I would like to congratulate each and everyone of you because you have had 22 minutes without looking at your phones,” Seyford joked.
Using the failures and successes of former Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs as life lessons, Seyford explained how rejections and mistakes shape our lives and careers.
"He was rejected, but he didn’t become bitter. So he decided to start over,” he said. “He didn’t realize it then, but getting fired from Apple was the best thing that happened to him.”
Seyford’s words of wisdom are to “trust your gut instincts, work hard and don’t settle until you figure it out.” He reminded the graduates that they always have the support of their Vista Oaks family.
“Sometimes life will hit you hard like a brick in the head hard…” Seyford warned. “Class of 2023, an important way to be happy in life is find something you love to do. Your work will fill a gigantic part of your life and the only way to be happy is to do great work.”
The Sunshine Senior: Caitlyn Washington
SCOOP EDITOR
“Know that you really can’t control everything. I think it’s so important that in every situation you do your best, but know that it’s okay to fail every once in a while. All that matters is that you do your best” ~ Vista Oaks senior, Caitlyn Washington.
Among the many in the class of 2023, graduating senior Caitlyn Washington has attended Vista Oaks Charter School for all of high school and has grown into a humble yet confident young adult. Walking around the Vista Oaks campus, you may find her sipping some of her signature coffee while bringing a smile to all those around her.
“She is a very kind person!! She will always be there for you and makes an amazing friend!!”~said senior Kenedy Ransom, a close friend of Washington. “She is unique because she is always looking at ways to make sure everyone is welcome! Even when we were in enrichment we would always have new friends by the end of the day! She would not say this, but she is a natural born leader!”
Easygoing, Young Musician on the Rise
By Alejandro Zepeda
SCOOP EDITOR
Caleb Mendoza, who always comes to class in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt or a sweater, with such a chill vibe surrounding him, is one of the Vista Oaks Charter School seniors of 2023 that will not soon be forgotten.
A friend of Mendoza, fellow senior Ethan Santos said, “He (Mendoza) is the most laid back person I have ever met in my entire life.” This is one of the things that is most noteworthy about Mendoza, who never seems stressed or worried, and is as Santos put it, “an absolute goofball.”
Despite Mendoza’s chill personality, he has a hard time making new friends. He stated, “I like to make friends, but it's hard to talk to new people.”
Though Mendoza is a very good friend, and once he makes a friend, he will stick with them till the end. Santos disclosed, “He’s real easy to get along with, carry a conversation with. He’s like this all deferent, really good friend. He’s got your back; if you need help with something, he’s got your back.”
Santos Prioritizes Life Skills, Leadership
By Allison Krummen
YEARBOOK EDITOR
Vista Oaks Senior Ethan Santos is often found waiting for class on the benches outside of the main wing of the campus catching some sun and making friends with anyone who takes the time to chat with him. During those moments, the Leadership President offers thoughtful advice and words of encouragement to younger students.
Junior Ariel Lawrence explained that his mentoring and leadership have been very helpful to her as well. According to Lawrence, Santos is a hard-working student who is reliable and always willing to share his own academic struggles and life experiences with others.
“Most people didn't acknowledge him, but anyone that took the time to talk to him, they would make an immediate friend, or have a wonderful outlet to vent to, or just have someone to talk to. He was always there, and willing to help anyone that was struggling,” Lawrence said.
Meet the “gifted, respectful, and funny” senior: Evan Graham
By Ariel Lawrence
SCOOP EDITOR
“You are better than you probably think of yourself, even if you don’t necessarily believe it at the time, you’re probably way better than you think you are.” ~ Evan Graham.
Evan Graham is a 2023 graduating senior at Vista Oaks who has been a part of the school community for years and has seen many changes. Due to being on the Autistic Spectrum, he’s overcome many personal struggles in all areas of his life and has now started to take onsite classes this year.
He is musically talented, takes great pride in everything he does, all while being his own biggest critic. As he prepares to jump into Los Medanos College, it’s time for Vista Oaks to highlight the resilient student that he has been.
Senior Savors Final Year and Homeschooling
By Alejandro Zepeda
SCOOP EDITOR
“Slow down and enjoy it for what it is. I blinked and it was almost over. It is crazy, but so exciting.” This is the advice 2023 Vista Oaks Charter School Senior Kenedy Ransom offers to future students in their last year of high school.
She is thrilled to do her favorite kinds of projects, those being creative projects, such as art and sewing. Ransom stated that because she is homeschooled, “It is far easier to learn in a way that is more helpful to me and to follow my passions.”
One of such passions homeschooling lets Ransom pursue is nannying, and learning about child development, which she plans to study after high school. She disclosed, “I got into it (child development) because I wanted to be a mom. That is one thing you can’t go to college for or so I thought. You can go to school for child psychology and child development. I still don’t know what I want to do. I think it is cool with nannying, but I can be a co-parent and learn the bumps in that.”
For more on Ransom, check out this episode of the What’s Happening Now podcast…https://youtu.be/4yc6_m_B-pM.
Alfonso Takes Alternative Route To Pursue Welding Career
By Ethan Vanier
STAFF WRITER
Matthew Alfonso is a long-time student and senior at Vista Oaks Charter School who is graduating this school year and plans to attend Los Medanos College and pursue a career in welding after he graduates from high school this spring.
One of the things that Alfonso likes about the school is how flexible his schedule is and that allows him to recently obtain his driver’s permit, learn how to drive and find a new job. Among his other interests are that he is very much into technology and he also very much likes to play video games.
“I love being at Vista Oaks for the flexibility offered in my classes and the friends I have,” said Alfonso.
Alfonso and his younger sister, Bella Alfonso, are both a part of Leadership. Friends would describe Alfonso as really nice and outgoing and friendly and that he is really easy to get along with.
One of Alfonso’s favorite things to do during his free time is hanging out and spending time with friends. Something that Alfonso really enjoys about being at Vista Oaks is the fact that he can chosse what onsite classes he can take here.
Words of Wisdom for Students From VO Staff
By Ariel Lawrence and Alejandro Zepeda
Scoop Editors
As young high school students are approaching graduation and preparing for the time that comes after high school, this is a very important time to be exposed to as many different career options as possible, and take in as much advice from adults to learn from as possible.
Vista Oaks Charter School students are surrounded by many experienced people, each with their own unique stories and advice that they have learned through experience, and are willing to share advice that their high school selves may have needed to hear, to help the Vista Oaks students on their path of self-discovery.
“I would tell myself to cherish the time with family and friends. Enjoy being silly and ridiculous. Embrace new friends. And, most importantly, don't be afraid to mess up!” stated Vista Oaks Executive Director Joy Groen.
Publications Staff
Yearbook Editors: Tyler Enos and Alli Krummen
Staff Writers: Ethan Vanier, Haley Young, Julianna Rivera and Adyson Cutshaw.
Publications Advisor: Paula King
Email: paula.king@vistaoaks.net
Website: tvo.scoop
Location: 14301 Byron Highway, Byron, CA, USA
Phone: 925-420-6616