Fifth-year students keep diploma, higher education in sight

They are known around campus as "super seniors." These Mojave High School students look just like regular students and even take many of the same classes. What sets these 27 apart is they are in their fifth year of high school.

"Super seniors" is a name given to them by their classmates, which they have come to accept.

"It's a little bit embarrassing," said Cristal Cuevas, referring to the nickname. "But it's because we're working hard. We actually embrace it. I feel very comfortable because we're all together."

The 27 at Mojave are a few of the more than 700 fifth-year seniors enrolled this school year in the Clark County School District.

More than 500 are enrolled in traditional high schools around the valley, while about 200 are enrolled in alternative education schools, according to the district.

Administrators say the district made its biggest push ever this year to bring non-graduating seniors back for a fifth year and one more chance.

"I started in 2002 as a high school math teacher," said Mojave principal Antonio Rael. "We had a mind-set back then that if they didn't graduate on time, it's too bad. They've missed out, or they'll have to go to alternative education. Now we have the resources, we have the ability, and we need to have them back on the campus."

Schools also received state funding this year for those students, Rael said. In the past, the school would have had to cover the cost.

Cuevas still needs to pass the three state proficiency exams but is hopeful she will graduate in January and walk with her classmates at the June graduation ceremony.

She dropped out of high school during her sophomore year and returned for her senior year. She spent that time in between "hanging out with the wrong people."

But after taking night school and online classes supplementing her regular school day, Cuevas needs only a few more credits to get her diploma.

Fellow super senior James Kaufman was on track to graduate high school until his senior year came along.

"I failed all of my classes," Kaufman said. "I guess I was just having a bad year. I was feeling lazy and unmotivated."

Both Kaufman and Cuevas said one of the reasons they came back to finish what they started is because a high school diploma is increasingly a necessity in the job market.

"I don't want a GED," Kaufman said. "A GED doesn't get you very far. I need a diploma."

Making their families proud was another reason, they said.

"My family and my close friends just pushed me and motivated me," Cuevas said. " I'm going to cry, and I'm going to be so happy and shocked, just seeing that I actually get to walk and have people be proud of me for something."

Both also said college is in their sights. Kaufman enjoys working on cars and machinery at home, and he would like to study mechanical engineering. Cuevas wants to study sociology.

And neither plans to delay their education any longer.

"(Graduating) is going to feel great," Kaufman said. "I'm going to be able to get my life started."

Contact View education reporter Jeff Mosier at jmosier@viewnews.com or 224-5524.