Juan Diaz Graduates OHS and Completes the Set!

— by Cara Russell –

Juan Diaz at his graduation on Nov. 24, 2013

Last June, high school senior Juan P. Diaz Alvarez was not eligible to graduate and walk with the rest of his classmates on graduation day. On Sunday November 24, 2013, Diaz had his long overdue high school graduation in the high school commons. Surrounded by friends, family, and faculty, Diaz celebrated his accomplishment encircled by people who had supported and encouraged him to keep working towards his goal.

Back in June, Diaz had missed 11 points in the state-required reading test, and was consequently unable to graduate with his fellow classmates. All he needed to do was pass the reading test, which was going to be offered again in August. Diaz waited, took the test, and passed, and the OHS faculty lived up to a promise; to hold his own special graduation ceremony.

“Juan not only had to pass high school after moving to a strange new place, but he had to do it while learning English—making this wonderful celebration of Juan and all of the amazing work that he has put in to make this happen,” said teacher Brett McFarland.

At the start of the ceremony, Diaz entered from a dark hallway, dressed in a blue cap and gown, and wore the biggest smile across his face. Students from the Orcas Island combined High School Band & Strings, performed “Pomp and Circumstance,” led by Directors Darren Dix and teacher Pamela Wright.

He led the ceremony in the Salute to the Flag, first in English, then again in Spanish.  Diaz’s family  attended, and every speech was said in English then repeated again in Spanish. “This is our last graduate  of the year, and I’m happy to say, we’ve completed the set,” said Superintendent Barbara Kline.

After  Kline’s speech, teachers Catherine Laflin, Brett McFarland, and Marta Branch all spoke on his behalf.  “I love that moment when the light goes on and I can see that they truly understand,” said teacher Marta Branch. “Juan is one of those rare students who cares about learning.”

It was when Diaz got up to speak that the pride, joy, appreciation, and tears filled the commons. Clearly,  this day was most important to him. As he proceeded to thank everyone who had been an influence on  his high school life, he began to tear up. High school office manager Georgie Philbrook rushed to his side  with a box of tissue, and as he took a moment, the room knew how much this diploma really meant to  him. “I said I wouldn’t cry,” said Diaz.

After a moment, he was back to his speech, and had the room laughing. “Catherine Laflin, she was always there when I needed her…and even when I didn’t need her. I want to thank Georgia and Lisa  from the front office, because I was always late for school. Cathy Collister, she didn’t even understand me in the beginning. Cindy Elliot, who I took three PE classes from, even though I wasn’t good at running…or walking.” He thanked everyone who had even the smallest positive effect on him.

Finally Diaz thanked his parents, “Mom and Dad, for bringing me to this weird country. I have great parents, thank you.”

Barbara Kline gave Diaz his certification of Completion of Requirements, and senior diploma. He shook hands with Principal Kyle Freeman, and teachers Brett McFarland, Marta Branch, and Catherine Laflin, moved his tassel from right to left, and then threw his cap in the air. A celebration was then held in the school cafeteria.

In June, Juan was awarded a $1,500 vocational scholarship from the American Legion. He will take online courses to help him decide on his next educational milestone.