Memories, pride at MLHS PALS graduation

MOSES LAKE — Six students in the PALS club (the Life Skills class) at Moses Lake High School were recognized for their accomplishments with a special graduation ceremony June 7.

“Amazing students,” said Life Skills instructor Cristina Dinges.

Students Kielen de la Cruz, Anuska Saha, Cristian Avina-Cruz, Adam Carpenter, Anthony Hernandez and Matthew Johnson each received a certificate showing they had completed the program and words of recognition from their teachers.

Instructor Jodi Truman said PALS students must complete the same number of credits as any other MLHS student.

“That does not change,” Truman said.

The curriculum is presented differently, but the students must do similar work, she said.

The Life Skills instructors talked about each student before presenting them with their diplomas, reminiscing about good days and bad days, funny times and the things they would remember about each student.

Speech pathologist RaeAnn Fleming said she would remember Carpenter for his sunny disposition.

“(Carpenter) is probably best known for his very contagious smile,” Fleming said. “He’s almost always wearing it and it’s infectious. You just can’t help smiling back.”

Dinges said she has known Hernandez since he was one of her students in middle school.

“Each year he just makes these gains, and it never ceases to amaze me,” Dinges said. “I’m so excited to see where life will take him next. I have no doubt that you will continue to amaze anyone that you work with or around. He brings such an awesome energy to every class that he’s in.”

Johnson, said Life Skills instructor Brad Bellamy, loves using the computer to create artwork featuring characters from a popular card game.

“Everyone here also knows we had a very special relationship,” Bellamy said. “I’ll miss you, buddy.”

Truman said Saha has shown a lot of determination.

“Anushka came to us full of spunk and ready to take on the world,” Truman said.

Saha has received a lot of support from her family, she added.

“They have worked tirelessly to support her educational adventures up to this point. And I know they will continue to support her future efforts,” Truman said.

Some PALS students work in local businesses, and Bellamy said de la Cruz has shown himself to be a good employee.

“He’s always done a great job out in the community. He really enjoys helping people at the food bank, and carrying the groceries out to the car,” Bellamy said.

Avina-Cruz also has that work ethic, Bellamy said.

“Cristin has been one of my best workers in the community program. He has done a great job; I can depend on Cristian to his work and do it well,” Bellamy said.

Saha loves fashion and makeup, Truman said, and knows what she likes and doesn’t like. Fleming said Carpenter loves to make daily posts about the weather and is a big fan of stock car racing. Bellamy quoted Fleming o de la Cruz’ sense of humor.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.