Stockdale High: Bakersfield.com

Ellen Goes to the Beach

Congratulations to Ellen Bartling - completing her studies at Stockdale HS and heading to UCSB's College of Creative Studies.

Memories!

There are 3 ways to say “we’re graduating.”
    (Excited)    “We’re graduating!”
    (Astonished)    “We’re graduating?”
    (Horrified)    “We’re graduating?!”

    In the words of Dr. Hairist Hill, we are about to “step into the future. We are going to maximize our potential. Clap your hands if you agree!”

    As we take a look back at high school, day to day we had the same routine. We would get up: Girls you’d look in the mirror and say “we’ve got work to do!’ Guys, you’d look in the mirror and say, “looks good to me!”     We’d go to class … then we’d gorge ourselves at lunch. Every once in a while we’d have some food sale days, dunk some teachers, and always, hang out with friends. We’d finish the day with a few more classes and leave with a smile because we aced the last test or a frown because our phone got taken away and once again we had Saturday work! Memories.

    All in all, it was a pretty safe routine, and yet it was very much like a rollercoaster! We had our ups: dances, plays, games, watching the Bananas! Who could forget those Banana Boys!? We had our downs: break-ups, break-outs, too much homework or the worst: no Prom date. What a ride it was!

    But, we pulled through and got ourselves where we are tonight. Each one of us should be proud of that, so let’s say “thanks!” Thank you parents for being there and not letting us give up when we wanted to. Thank you teachers for your encouragement, your “moral stories” and the lessons you taught us on how to succeed in life. Thank you friends for making high school an unforgettable memory. You guys are definitely “Baaalin!!!!!”

    So here we are. Let’s not forget this moment. Look at the person to the right of you. Look at the person to the left of you. Look all around you, and always remember this Stockdale class… our class of 2007!

Lily has been very active at Stockdale High as a Thespian enjoying every minute possible on stage. She also spent 3 years in the Varsity Football program as the Water Girl and was a Bible Club Officer for 3 years. Probably the most remarkable thing about Lily is that 14 years ago she arrived here from a Romanian Orphanage with no English at all. In just a few years she was winning every Oral Language contest she entered and thrives on the stage. It's this gifting and can-do attitude that made her a natural to speak before her peers. She is touched and honored at the opportunity.

MUSTANGS NOW ... MUSTANGS FOREVER

Good evening. My name is Luz Maria Kumpel. I am the 2007 senior class president. Thank you for coming to our commencement ceremony.

Stockdale High School opened in the year 1991. Since then, thousands of students have completed their high school education there — in an environment as safe, diverse and high-achieving as any in America. The class of 2007 has been an important part of what defines Stockdale as a place of excellence. The diplomas these students are receiving today not only represent the education they have received, but the experience they have had for the past four years.

Stockdale high school offers something for all of its more than 2,500 students. Students were able to participate in medical academy, applied engineering, commercial graphics, agricultural studies, virtual business enterprise and construction technology programs. The graduates here today have been part of teams both academically and athletically that have competed and been recognized on the local and national levels.
Stockdale’s multiple community service programs all together called Stockdale Cares have won awards. But more importantly have had an impact on community life that will be felt for many years to come.

The many achievements that students from this class have made have given them the opportunity to attend schools next year like Notre Dame, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UCLA, USC, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, New York University, University of Texas at Austin, Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Westpoint, Bakersfield College and the Air Force Academy.

It’s no wonder Stockdale remains the leading high school in Kern County at placing seniors at four-year institutions.

On behalf of the class of 2007, I would like to thank you, parents and friends, for being here today. Although you are here in celebration of our achievements, I belive you have played a vital role in the success that brings us here today.

To the teachers and staff, thank you for your inspiration and encouragement that has helped us to excel and believe in ourselves. For many of you, youre life’s work is preparing us for what is next in our lives and you’ve done a good job.

And to my fellow classmates, no one can take away what you have learned in the classroom these past four years. But more importantly, the same is true for what you have learned about yourselves, your friends and your life. And although this ceremony is an accomplishment that is just a step toward what is next in your lives, it will always be special that there was a time and place we spent together, as a unified entity, as a class.

What we are here for, our graduation, is something each of us is commended for individually, but memorable because we are doing it together. The friends and familiar faces that we have come to know, depend on, and love may change as we step off this stage and into the future. But all of those things — the triumphs, the laughs, the fun, the adversities, the excitement, the adventure, and the people we shared them with — those things all really happened and Stockdale was the common ground that brought us together, giving rise to the opportunity for those things to take place.

Each of you is an irreplaceable element of what gives our class its uniqueness and character. I hope that all of you remember this great day, this momentous occassion. But more so, I hope you remember all the moments that have lead up to today and give this event true meaning.

When you reflect on all of the cherished memories we’ve shared at Stockdale, I hope that it always brings a smile to your face.

Mustangs now — Mustangs forever. Thank you.

Luz Maria Kumpel will be attending UCLA this fall and studying psycho-biology. Her dream is to become an astronaut.

Congratulations Nicholas Houchin!

My brother Nicholas Houchin has consistently exceeded the expectations of his friends and family. Today, as he prepares for high school graduation, he stands as a mature, successful and extremely motivated young man with a bright future on the horizon.

Academically, Nick has always given a 100 percent effort. Even after choosing to enroll in Stockdale High School’s most challenging classes, he is graduating at the top of his class with a 4.36 GPA. His efforts haven’t gone unrewarded—this fall Nick will be attending the University of Southern California’s prestigious Viterbi School of Engineering as a Dean’s Scholar (fight on!). He will be studying Civil Engineering. In addition, Nick will be interning at a top engineering corporation in San Francisco this summer.

Outside the classroom, Nick has dedicated himself to community service. Through his participation in the Dream Builder’s program, he was part of an award-winning team that brought a drinking and driving awareness program to Bakersfield’s high schools. He has also served as a role-model for local elementary students through the “Lunch Buddies” program, and as a volunteer at local retirement homes.

Nick has also excelled in two of his favorite hobbies, golf and piano. He played three years of Varsity Golf at Stockdale and was named All-League for his outstanding scoring average. This year he also competed in and passed his ninth level of the “Certificate of Merit” piano competition, which reflects 12 years of dedication to piano practice.

These accomplishments didn’t come without obstacles. During his sophomore year, Nick was diagnosed with a condition called “AV Nodal Re-entrant Tachycardia.” It required not one, but two heart surgeries. Despite this frightening experience, he retained his focus, and continued to excel. It was an experience that revealed Nick’s genuine qualities: honesty, strength, dedication and a true passion for life.

Above all else, Nick has been a wonderful brother and best friend. He has many exciting opportunities ahead, and his friends and family cannot wait to see what he will accomplish. I am confident that, more likely than not, he will once again far exceed all our expectations. Congratulations Nick!

In honor of Mihaela

We would like to share with you our beautiful and courageous daughter Mihaela Champion who will graduate from Stockdale High School on May 30. Mihaela has had to overcome many obstacles, especially during her senior year as she has watched her father and brother (also a senior at Stockdale) battle cancer. In spite of the challenges, Mihaela has persevered both academically and especially spiritually as she has stepped up to the plate in supporting her brother and father. We thank you Mihaela for bringing home homework, rallying Chris' friends to support him, for always doing that extra chore, for finding that teacher to help your brother, for never complaining but always being willing, for giving your love and support unconditionally, for often sacrificing your desires for your family, and especially being such a loving and giving daughter. These things did not go unnoticed. We are humbled by your strength and your kind and giving heart. You are truly beautiful and we are so proud and honored to call you our daughter. Happy Graduation. Love, Mom and Dad