Heads were held high, while 32 graduates promenaded across the Henry Massaro Football Stadium to take their seats during the Chowchilla Adult School 21st Commencement exercise.</p><p>Though the graduation took less than 20 minutes, it made a big impact on the adult graduating class of 2010.</p><p>Mike Little opened the ceremony by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.</p><p>Instructor/Counselor Susan Bolt welcomed a large crowd of supporters to the ceremony. "We are proud of you for your accomplishments," stated Bolt, "You have earned your diplomas through hard work. Enjoy it and congratulations."</p><p>Student speaker Marlin Atra gave her speech with pride, followed by the encouraging words from student speaker Adam Haley.</p><p>The commencement address was given by Superintendent of Madera County Schools Sally Frazier.</p><p>Frazier told the students how they have overcome many obstacles to get where they are today, including the State testing and no matter how difficult things got, the graduates kept on going. She stated, "To get what you never had, you have to do what you've never done. You graduates had the will to try it and faith to get it done." She reminded them that as they stay true to their focus' that it will lead them to the next goal. "This commencement ceremony is a tribute to you. It was not by chance that you are here, you worked hard to get here. Dreams are like stars, follow them and they will lead you to your destiny."</p><p>Chowchilla Union High School Superintendent Ron Seals presented the class of 2010 to the CUHS Board of Education.</p><p>Board President Brent Tatom presented the diplomas to the class of 2010.</p><p>After the presentation of diplomas the class lined up on the track to meet their friends and families. <b>Speech by Marlin Atra</b></p><p>Good evening ladies and gentlemen, family and friends.</p><p>Welcome to the 2010 adult school graduation ceremony. My name is Marlin Atra. When I was 16 years old I left school and was unable to complete my education until now. I am 44.</p><p>Not everyone graduating tonight fits the stereotype of the high school drop out. We are not lazy, stupid, nor not worthy enough. We have all faced circumstances in our lives that forced us to put everything on hold.</p><p>It may have taken me 28 years to get here, but I did not lose my focus or my drive because I knew I would find myself here, no matter what point in my life it would be.</p><p>First and foremost, I would like to thank God for giving me the will and strength to accomplish anything.</p><p>Also, I give much appreciation and many thanks to my teacher and mentor, Susan Bolt. You have helped and taught me so much. I do not think I could ever thank you enough.</p><p>If the school does indeed close down, many people who aspire to complete their education will surely miss out on having the pleasure of learning from you.</p><p>To all my friends and family, whether they are present here tonight or not, I thank you as well.</p><p>Congratulations to all my fellow classmates. Thank you.</p><p><b>Speech by Adam Haley</b></p><p>I welcome and thank you all for coming to our graduation. There are many reasons we all decided it was time for a little more education. To me this year of school was a great lesson on life. Instead of letting my brain go completely smooth from lack of use I forced a few more wrinkles into it.</p><p>I had to completely relearn math, all the way from multiplication and simple math to algebra problems with multiple steps. I learned a lot because I had great friends and my favorite teacher. They may have gone hoarse from drilling all the knowledge they had into my head, but they still managed to make me really embarrassed with their cheers.</p><p>It was a long slow process and I would not have made it without their help and support.</p><p>My biggest obstacle was the entire math I had to do. If I don't see another math problem for 50 years, I will die a very happy old man. But thanks to all my effort I passed the match CAHSEE two times, and succeeded at passing the English CAHSEE without any problem.</p><p>I have tried many times since 1995 to get my diploma, but lacked any discipline or self confidence to succeed and finish. So I told myself that this is not for me, this is for my mother and my family and friends. My reward will be my mom's happiness and pride in my accomplishments. I love you Mom, thanks for the support.</p><p>And before I end I would like to personally congratulation each of these fine students on all their hard work and success. Thank you all for coming and have a great evening.</p><p><b>Class of 2010</b></p><p>Kyle Absher, Meagan Alonso, Marlin Atra, John Beavers, Cherika Blodgett, Tiffany Britt, Shawnda Brooks, Corey Burkhart, Ashley Burks, Adriana Camacho, Javier Carranza, Anthony Castaneda, Brandi Emery, Juan Hernandez, Laura Flores, Amador Garcia, Della Gonzalez, Brandon Gowin, Cody Graber, Adam Haley, Samantha Hawthorne, Adriana Hernandez, Emity Hobart, Laura Jimenez, Jacki Joslin, Andres Del Villar Juarez, Adam Lopez, Jennette Lopez, Veronica Macias-Rios, Fernando Oseguera, Lorena Medina, Chelsey Middleton, Ernesto Peraza, Adalberto Pineda, Rosalba Quezda, Daisy Ramos, Courtney Reno, Mellissa Roberts, Tricia Robison, Soledad Rocha, Amber Smith, Xao Thao, Lissa Torres, Nathan Valdez, Mauro Valencia Jr., Lynda Velasco and Mathew Williams.