Owensboro High School (OHS) held their 2019 commencement ceremony Thursday night at the Sportscenter. As over 270 students filed in to take their seats for the program, their proud families and friends cheered them on as the chorus sang and the chamber orchestra played.
Twenty-seven seniors received the Honors diploma, 20 students were Bluegrass Global Scholars, nine students in the senior class were Early College Academy seniors, earning their associate’s degree at the same time as their high school diploma, and two of the graduates committed to joining the military.
Dr. Nick Brake, Superintendent of Owensboro Public Schools, gave the charge to the class prior to distributing diplomas.
“I know that you can and will contribute in your own way to your community,” Brake said. “Never forget that education and lifelong learning will equip you for where you are wanting to go.”
Brake both complimented and encouraged the graduates, saying that this group of students genuinely cared about one another saying that this class had “that special something.”
“Being selfless is the best thing you can do for yourself,” Brake said.
One student who has learned a very powerful lesson in being selfless is Daniella Maria Bustos. Bustos graduated from OHS with a college and career diploma and nine college hours at Owensboro Community and Technical College. She plans to continue her education at OCTC and pursue her associate’s degree in the arts.
Bustos transferred to OHS her junior year and, in May 2018, found out she was pregnant. She said her pregnancy completely changed her outlook.
“My daughter has changed the way I look at life,” Bustos said. “Before, I never really had any real motivation to do well.”
Her four siblings have their high school diplomas, but neither of her parents do. She said that, when she found out she was pregnant, she knew she had to beat the stereotype surrounding teen pregnancy and graduate high school and college, not only for herself but for her daughter.
While Bustos was home for six weeks after the birth of her daughter, her assigned homebound teacher met with her and brought the assignments from her classroom teachers, something Bustos said was helpful.
Bustos said she always planned to go to OCTC and now plans on working as hard as she can to make sure she provides a loving and stable environment for her family.
“I have plenty of family willing to watch her while I continue my schooling,” Bustos said.
Bustos said that transferring to OHS was one of the best things that could have happened to her and she is honored to be graduating from such an “amazing” high school.
“If I could give everyone advice, it’d be to never let obstacles get in the way of doing what you dream of,” Bustos said. “No matter how big or small, you can accomplish your goals, but you just may have to work harder than others. There are people out there willing to help you reach your goals.”
