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Lancaster
Leaving high school should not be thought of as the end of the road but rather should signal a new beginning for learning, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich told a group of graduates.

Antonovich recently spoke at a graduation ceremony honoring 69 Desert Sands Charter High School students at Park Plaza.

Antonovich recently spoke about the endless opportunities now available to the graduates. He encouraged students to treat life as a continuous learning experience.

Don't let high school graduation be the stopping point in your education, Antonovich said. Don't be discouraged by failures along the way; winners get up after being knocked down.

Desert Sands, which has campuses in Lancaster and Palmdale, is intended for those who left traditional high school for any reason before graduating. The school's teaching methods are based on an independent study work format in which students perform in one subject at a time and at their own pace. The Antelope Valley Union High School District certifies the school as a public charter school.

Caprice Young of the California Charter School Association told the graduates: You are part of a movement that is sweeping the nation, a movement that says every student has the opportunity and right to a good education. She said that 170,000 charter school students statewide are graduating from high school this year. This was the 5th graduating class from Desert Sands, which now has four campuses throughout the Antelope Valley.

Desert Sands student Nestor Vinelli told his classmates: I am thankful to the staff and teachers of Desert sands, and to my mom. They helped me to earn my diploma, get started in college classes and helped me figure out what I want to do with my life.

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