Mira Costa recently inducted 17 distinguished graduates into its Alumni Hall of Fame. The individuals inducted, along with the assembly honoring them, promoted school spirit, gave Costa students pride in their school and was a success for all those involved.
During the two assemblies held on Sept. 28, students were given an excellent opportunity to see the impact that previous Costa graduates have had on the Costa community and on the world, which gave students inspiration for the future.
The greatest impact the assembly made to the students was that their future accomplishments would be rooted at Costa. This idea was most notably expressed when Grammy-nominated composer David Benoit told Costa that his interaction with faculty on campus “changed his life” and set him on the path toward success with something he loved.
The assembly excited the student body about Mira Costa and energized school spirit. Inductee John Featherstone, one of the most accomplished college football coaches in the area, inserted new energy into the assembly by getting all attendees on their feet for their pride in their school.
Another aspect of the program’s success was that it demonstrated to students the impact they could have on history as Mira Costa graduates. Economist and current Harvard University Kennedy School Professor Richard Parker told students that often, history is made at Costa. His brush with history while a Costa student came when he debated Richard M. Nixon on the very stage he stood during the assembly. His speech and the stories told by others left students incredibly inspired and proud to be Mustangs.
The short length and conciseness played a large role in the assembly’s success because it was able to keep the students’ attention and provided Costa with a short break, but allowed it to happen in coordination with a regular school day. According to Master of Ceremonies Larry Humphrey students who attended the assembly were “attentive” and remained respectful throughout the ceremonies.
Along with inspiration, students received tips and life lessons from the inductees as they talked about their involvements in the world. Inductee Mark Sundeen is a notable author who told the students to question authority and try to develop their own opinions. This important element of the assembly educationally provided students with guidance for their upcoming academic future.
According to ASB Vice President Rachel Humphrey, the assembly connected past Costa students to present students. This bridge between them left both the alumni and the students hopeful about the future of Mira Costa and their pride in it.
Leave a Reply