Vista del Mar Union School District in Gaviota hosted its first eighth-grade promotion ceremony in more than five years, a milestone that marks the resilience and dedication of the community and the Board of Trustees, the district said.

Graduating eighth-graders and their teacher get together for a photo outside Vista Del Mar School. Black, blue and silver balloons are behind them. (Courtesy photo)
Graduating eighth-graders and their teacher get together for a photo outside Vista Del Mar School. (Courtesy photo)

Once on the brink of closure, the district has seen a turnaround, with student enrollment nearly tripling over the past three years, the district said.

The June 13 ceremony included multiple generations of Vista del Mar alumni attending to witness the promotion of the newest graduates.

The majority of the eighth-graders had been with Vista del Mar since preschool, spending 11 years growing and learning on the same campus.

“This is a historic moment as we honor the first official eighth-grade class in over four years,” Board President Ryan Harrington told the audience. “These students have been the leaders on our campus, the biggest and oldest kids, navigating through a very unique and challenging time in our school district’s nearly 100-year history.

“This promotion is a moment to celebrate these graduates and this school. The real heroes are these brave students and their families who stuck with us. They trusted us, and these students led the way, ensuring our school’s survival. They all stepped up, becoming great leaders and captains.”

He concluded with an individualized tribute to each of the graduates.

Superintendent Bree Valla reminded the students of all they had experienced over their 11 years on campus:

“You’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and created memories that will last a lifetime. You have embodied the Vista spirit.”