Pioneer graduate Joanna Martinez-Hernandez hugs a loved one after crossing the stage.
Photo by Jessica Garcia.
The students in Pioneer Academy’s graduating class of 2025 range from those who have been embedded in the local community all their lives to those who just joined last year.
The Carson City School District celebrated 32 graduates of Pioneer Academy on Friday at the Carson City Community Theater.
Graduate Oceanus Hammock recently moved from Washington. Hammock walked with an advanced diploma and a Millennium scholarship.
“Graduation means a lot to me because it’s kind of a stepstone to be able to make it into college and make my dreams come true. My goal is to eventually pursue nursing school and become a diagnostic medical sonographer and specialize in cardiac,” he said.
Pioneer High School’s Class of 2025, including 32 members, stands as they are presented on stage at the Carson City Community Center on Friday.
He said he enjoyed the change to Nevada’s environment after living in Washington and the school’s academic offerings as his secondary education came to a close.
"It's a lot of desert scenery, the air quality is cleaner,” he said. “I notice everybody has something to be happy about, and I feel like I'm part of a good community here.”
Student speakers Mallorie Sheley-Brendel, Ethan Calvello and Josie Gonzalez spoke about the progress they’ve made and the confidence in making the choice to attend Pioneer.
Calvello, a former Carson High student, said the pandemic put a “reset” on his education and it created difficulties on his freshman year. The move between schools helped him to overcome depression he experienced, he shared. He was thankful for the help of his grandparents, friends and teachers.
“Everyone had moved on from COVID, everyone except for me,” he said. “I made lots of friends over COVID, but unfortunately, they all went to Douglas, so I felt like a stranger amongst my peers. … So me and my grandparents found this little school called Pioneer. I needed a reset. I needed a change. It only took a few months of attending, and it felt like I got everything back that I had lost.”
Ivy Scott receives her diploma.
Graduate Ronin Rubke, who said he’s lived in Carson City for “17.9 years” of his life, plans to attend Western Nevada College, still deciding exactly how he wants to achieve his goal.
“I’m interested in becoming a park ranger,” he said. “I absolutely am grateful for the beautiful nature out here and the amazing people, and I can't wait to have a nice night tonight. … I would particularly prefer to serve near the river because there's just so much enrichment there and just all the different walks of life and nature.”
History teacher Daniel Echebarria served as the evening’s keynote speaker. Echebarria produced laughter from the “lords and ladies” of the room dressing up in Shakespearean garb — not to the graduates’ surprise.
Echebarria said he had the privilege of teaching his students at least twice during their time when they took English or history. Coming to class as various characters or in different styles to pique students’ interest and raise expectations is not uncommon for Echebarria, a previous employee of the year winner from Pioneer. He’s appeared as a French aristocrat, World War II soldier or 1980s rock star and draws in spectators from other classrooms, he said.
Student speaker Mallorie Sheley-Brendel.
“I’m a history and English nerd and I like to dress up for the kids,” Echebarria said. “…I think they learn better when they’re not realizing that they’re learning. They’re having fun. Plus, it makes my day go a lot faster, too, than just sitting there: ‘OK, guys, open your books to page 19.’”
Superintendent Andrew Feuling told the Appeal Pioneer’s graduation event is always an outstanding celebration for each class.
“We have such an incredibly dedicated staff that Pioneer has done so much for these kids and inspired them so much to get this point,” Feuling said. “Families in the audience, hooting and hollering, just so excited to see their kids making their cost the stage — it’s just an exceptional night for exceptional kids, and we’re just very excited to see their next steps into the world and making a great life for themselves and making everyone proud here in Carson City.”
Student speaker Ethan Calvello.
Feuling said he was impressed and entertained by Echebarria’s impression and speech as an example of the staff’s work for students.
“He was recognized as Pioneer’s Teacher of the Month this year, and when we were at Rotary, as I’m sitting there talking to him, (I saw) he is so, so centered on doing great things for kids, on the learning of these kids and doing everything in his power to make this world of learning come to life for them. And that was on full display tonight. … And I think it’s just a testament to the type of people we have working for kids every day.”
Student speaker Josie Gonzalez.