With less than 40 school
days left until graduation, Santa Barbara High School hosted its first Dons
Reach Higher Day on Thursday in Richards Gym to recognize and celebrate the
many ways the 2019 senior class will further their education. The event,
inspired by Michelle Obama’s “signing day”, drew most of the 516 seniors — one
of the largest classes in recent history. The program was kicked off by
comments from Santa Barbara High Principal Elise Simmons, College and Career
Counselor Spencer Barr, Santa Barbara Junior High Principal Lito Garcia, and
Parent Teacher Association President and Dons Alum Meredith Grace.
The speakers encouraged
students to reach for their goals after graduation and reminded them to ask for
help if they were feeling nervous, concerned, or confused about their next
steps. “Graduating is an honor in and of itself, but it's not enough to stop
there,” Lito Garcia, a Dons alum, said. “I’m not going to ask you what you want
to be,” he said, “I want to know what you want to change. I want to know what
you want to improve.”
Following the speeches,
students were invited to sign a Dons Reach Higher Day poster and to take pictures
at the selfie station. PTA parents raised funds to get Class of 2019 water
bottles for each senior, and they provided snacks and baked goods for the
event.