Our Work

On behalf of the class of 2025, we are truly grateful to all the teachers, staff, and loved ones who are joining us on this remarkable milestone.

When I first arrived at NDCR I was disappointed that the castle grounds were not part of our campus, but I had dreams that were grander than any tower. I had hope that my high school years would shape my character, challenge me to grow, and help me find my path to success.

This past year tested my optimism more than ever. What I expected to be the final, exciting chapter of high school turned bleak. Being bound to a hospital bed is not fun at all. Especially when you're right next to the window. I would spend the days watching people walk through busy crossroads. I imagined all the stops they had to make and the items on their to-do lists. They had a whole future ahead of them, but being stuck in a hospital room watching the hour hand make its way around the clock makes you feel stagnant, as if the days will race past while you are still struggling to catch your breath. .

When I returned to school to say that I was stressed is an understatement. I was scrambling to complete all of my missing assignments. I thought I could find a way to cram every single assignment from the past two weeks into two days. Thanks to the compassion my teachers showed me, I realized that would not be necessary. If I have learned anything from our school's values it is that there is a community here willing to share the weight of our burdens. All of my teachers were incredibly understanding, and patient with me as I was trying to get back into a normal routine.

I want to thank our vice principal, Ms.Dominguez. I am not joking when I say: “Without her all of my grades for the second semester would have been Fs” if it wasn’t for her kindness. Thank you for leaving your office door open for me, for pushing me to continue even when giving up was so tempting. Your dedication to the well being of all of your students has left an unforgettable impact . And to Ms. Rijo, our admissions director and director of student ambassadors, thank you for creating a place to call home in school.

By definition we are a community because we are all sharing the same space but Ms.Rijo you crafted a community built on love and belonging.

I want to thank my classmates and friends for their support when I came back. I learned that when we leaned on each other, there was not any obstacle we could not surmount. I sincerely appreciate all the notes you took for me, all the homework you filled me in on,

and everything you did to support me emotionally as well. You are all such beautiful people inside and out

While I’ve spoken about my personal struggles, I recognize that each of you has faced challenges of your own. We have all had setbacks to overcome, times of doubt, frustrations and fear, but this moment is a testament to our collective strength and perseverance.

We attended many classes and took countless tests but the real learning came from the compassion of the class of 2025! The greatest lessons I have learned that have stuck with me have been from my classmates. Your actions have inspired me to take action, practice kindness,and stay disciplined. It has been an honor to learn from all of you.

Back in that hospital - It was especially difficult to watch others accomplish things when I too had once been an  achiever. And soon, as we move on to college, we’ll find ourselves surrounded by excellence — class presidents, salutatorians, valedictorians, top athletes, brilliant artists, and students who come from privilege,but remember there will not be another you. You persevered through struggles that were unique to you, you are in a cap and gown today because for the past four years you never let yourself give up. I know I didn’t and standing here today as your salutatorian I accept this award in honor of the resilience of the class of 2025

Class of 2025 have been the guinea pigs for many of the school’s changes,– We were the first to take, an AP computer class, APUSHistory, AP Chemistry, and Integrated math, but despite all the new things administration has thrown at us we have continued to prove we are resilient.

As you walk out of these doors, and moments become memories, Above all else remember that you may encounter as many obstacles as opportunities, but I am more than confident that all of you are capable of overcoming anything thrown your way. As much as we have been anticipating this day. I can’t help but feel sad whenever something comes to an end. But we are all excited to move on because this end marks the beginning of a future we’ve all been striving for.

The future is finally within reach.