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DAGGETT — Overcoming adversity was the central theme of the Alternative Education Center graduation Tuesday and something that graduate Matthew Burcham knows a lot about.

After a horrific motorcycle accident, Burcham spent a month in the hospital. While there, he grew determined to accomplish his goals, and getting his education was one of the top priorities. Burcham was one of 36 students to graduate in the multi-purpose of the center in Daggett. Each had a unique story of triumph over adversity.

“When I was in the hospital, it was real hard,” Burcham said. “A month after I got out of the hospital, my walking wasn't all that good. I made a decision that I was going to get my education.”

Burcham’s first goal was getting out of a wheelchair.

“I hated being in a wheelchair. I said, ‘forget this, I am walking again,’” he said.

In addition, Burcham was also trying to fight the initial intimidation of going back to school.

“I thought the kids were going to beat me up,” Burcham said. “Then I realized that I had friends that had my back, and I was able to overcome being scared through their support.”

Teacher Ronda Tremblay describes Burcham as a rebellious character resembling James Dean. She said at first he did not want to do any work. Eventually, as his abilities began to return, he started to embrace regular course work.

“He really turned his attitude around and became one of the better students,” she said.

Expanding on Burcham’s experience, Mark Meadows, vice president of academic affairs at Barstow Community College, told the graduates to cherish the adversity in their lives as it probably made them stronger.

“People need success and trauma in their personal life to overcome to aid the maturity and the growth in their own personal development,” Meadows said. “Stress affects a person in three different ways. It makes them rise to challenges, it affects how they view their relationships, and it changes their priorities and philosophies on life.”

When the speeches ended, it was time to hand out the diplomas. Characteristic of the small school and distinct personalities who attend it, principal Jeff Baggett was able to tell a sort story about each graduates journey toward walking across the stage that night.

What's Next for the Silver Valley Alternative Education graduates

• Erica Romero will attend Barstow Community College to study juvenile probation.
• Amanda Currier plans to go to Barstow Community College to become a Registered Nurse.
• Michelle Rankin will be going to Barstow Community College psychiatry and hopes to a drug and alcohol counselor.
• Ronda Tinajero wants to study cosmetology at the Barstow Academy of Beauty.
• Thomas East will be going to Louisville, Ky., and isn't sure yet what he is going to pursue.
• Michael Rasberry is going to Barstow Community College to become a medical examiner.
• Maxwell Gray is going to school to learn how to operate equipment to become a fork lift operator.
• Matthew Burcham wants to go to school and major in physical therapy.

Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4122 or jason_blasco@link.freedom.com