Parting thoughts from some M-A grads Parting thoughts from some M-A grads (June 09, 2004)

Leaving Menlo-Atherton High School brings a flood of memories and emotions to Principal Eric Hartwig, as it does to the four seniors pictured with him on this week's cover.

Here's some of their thoughts and hopes for the future:

Todd Wackerman , student body president, knows M-A inside out and is an advocate for the school. He gives high marks to the Leadership Class with Joe Fontana as one of the most diverse classes at M-A, with all grade levels and different ethnic groups. "We've put on dances, carnivals and real programs," he says. He cited the gang mediation program that brought together kids who at first didn't speak to each other. Todd, a Hillview graduate, will leave Menlo Park this fall to go to Boston College, where he plans to study political science.

For LaVesha Fitzgerald , the school day begins before dawn. She gets up at 3 and leaves an hour later for the long commute from Stockton to M-A. She's been making this trip with her parents since November 2002, when they moved from Menlo Park. LaVesha says she has really enjoyed and benefited from RISE, the youth development program that prepares African American students for success in college. She plans to take college courses this summer and study at either Hayward or Stockton State University this fall, majoring in computer science.

David Cruz is going to UC Berkeley this fall with plans to pursue ethnic studies and film. Part of the leadership class at M-A, he developed some conflict mediation programs. His wish is to figure out a way that more students of color would move into advanced placement classes. David graduated from La Entrada School in Menlo Park as a Tinsley transfer student from the Ravenswood School District.

Krista Frankel describes M-A as "homey," and says she feels "very secure." She graduated from the small Woodside School where she had Debbie Hartwig, Principal Hartwig's wife, as a teacher. "This high school wants students to graduate, and the staff makes sacrifices to help them achieve goals," she says. Krista, a vaulter on horseback, will go to Menlo College this fall. She plans to major in psychology and go on to study criminal justice.

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