The William S. Hart Union High School District honored two graduating seniors from the Sequoia Program during an emotional and deeply personal ceremony celebrating perseverance, growth and resilience.

Graduates Carlotta Ayala and Val Healey were recognized not only for earning their diplomas, but for the personal journeys that brought them to graduation day. Throughout the ceremony, teachers, counselors and district leaders reflected on the students’ determination, character and impact on the Sequoia campus.

Ayala’s message centered on faith, gratitude and purpose.

“I want to thank Jesus, because he saved me and it’s by his torn flesh that we have a way to heaven,” Ayala said. “His wounds healed mine; now I live for him.”

She thanked her mother, Sulma, for never giving up on her and credited the Sequoia staff for helping her stay on track to graduate.

“Thank you mom for never losing hope in me,” she said. “Thank you mom for praying for me, for having faith that I was gonna serve the Lord.”

Carlotta Ayala celebrates with her family.

Ayala also thanked the Sequoia staff members who helped guide her through senior year.

“I’m here at my graduation because of all of you, and God,” she said.

Teacher Lynn Holmgren spoke emotionally about Healey, recalling the first day she met him, walking quietly into class wearing a hoodie and trying not to draw attention to himself.

“He did not want to be noticed, but he seemed to notice everything,” Holmgren said.

She said it did not take long to discover the personality hidden behind the quiet demeanor.

“Anyone who knows Val knows he is kind,” Holmgren said. “He never leaves my classroom without saying goodbye.”

She described him as appreciative, intelligent and deeply curious, adding that he often surprised classmates and teachers with a sharp sense of humor and spontaneous political impressions.

“He always had something funny to say,” said Sequoia counselor and teacher Roderick Manzano. “Val was ahead of his time for his humor.”

Holmgren also highlighted Healey’s artistic talent, noting that he designed the school’s video cover artwork featuring Sequoia’s samurai mascot and school colors.

“He brushes this beautiful work off as no big deal,” Holmgren said. “But it’s a big deal to us.”

Beyond creativity, Holmgren praised Healey’s resilience and work ethic, pointing to his nearly two years working at Six Flags while balancing school responsibilities.

“He is responsible and he doesn’t flinch when scheduled to work weekends and holidays,” she said.

Manzano reflected on the routine greetings he and Healey shared every day on campus, saying those moments became part of the rhythm of school life.

“It felt wrong if it didn’t happen,” Manzano said.

During his speech, Manzano used Healey’s journey to deliver a larger lesson about adulthood and uncertainty.

“When you grow up, you realize nobody actually knows what’s going on,” he said. “Adults are still learning every single day.”

He encouraged Healey not to fear the future or feel pressured to have life completely figured out.

“You don’t need to know exactly where the road ends to start driving forward,” Manzano said. “Just keep moving, keep learning, keep laughing.”

Healey, reflecting on his own journey, credited the entire Sequoia staff for helping him graduate.

“The entire school of teachers and staff has helped in their own way,” Healey said. “Mr. Frechette helped me get ahead on credits while everybody else helped me maintain myself.”

Healey said one of his favorite Sequoia memories was performing drums during the school’s winter talent show. He also shared a message of perseverance for others facing challenges.

“Life can be tricky sometimes,” he said, “but just know it can be overcome if you at least try.”

Ayala’s story drew especially emotional reactions from speakers throughout the ceremony.

Manzano said that when Sequoia staff first assigned students to case managers, he was chosen to work with Ayala – a decision he now believes happened for a reason.

“My philosophy as a teacher and counselor has always been simple,” he said. “I want to help students become the best versions of themselves.”

He compared his role to a salesperson, explaining that instead of selling products, he tries to “sell a mindset” — helping students believe they are capable of more than they realize.

“Carlotta is one of the greatest examples of that belief coming to life,” he said.

Manzano acknowledged that Ayala’s journey had not been easy and said there were moments where simply showing up to school was difficult. Still, he watched her continue pushing forward throughout the year.

“One hard day survived at a time,” he said.

Manzano speaks about the Sequoia 2026 graduating class.

He described her as passionate, grateful and courageous, saying she never missed an opportunity to thank the people supporting her.

On her final day of school, Ayala handed Manzano a letter thanking him for helping her accomplish things she once thought were impossible.

“You helped me go and do things I never thought I could do,” she wrote.

Manzano said her words became one of the most meaningful moments of his career.

“You taught me that people are capable of changing their own story,” he told her.

He said Ayala’s growth reminded him that healing and change are possible, even when someone feels stuck in difficult circumstances.

“Your story reminds me to keep believing in people,” he said.

Ayala said she plans to pursue cosmetology while building toward larger dreams that include opening her own beauty shop and eventually traveling for missionary work.

“I don’t want to go just to go,” she said. “Instead, I want to preach the word and do missionary work. I know God is going to do great things through that, for His glory, not mine. I am simply an instrument of the Lord.”

During the ceremony, Manzano also announced that Ayala had been selected as a recipient of a $2,000 Henry Mayo Newhall Scholarship through the Santa Clarita Valley Scholarship Foundation.

Ayala receives her scholarship.

The scholarship announcement drew loud applause from the audience as Ayala accepted the award.

William S. Hart Union High School District Governing Board member Dr. Cherise Moore delivered motivational remarks to both graduates, emphasizing that their struggles and differences are part of what makes them extraordinary.

“You are not ordinary students. You are not ordinary people,” Moore said.

Dr. Cherise Moore congratulates Val Healey on his graduation.

She encouraged both students to embrace their authentic selves instead of trying to fit into what society expects.

“When people try to put you into a little square box, help them understand that you’re valuable just the way you are,” Moore said.

Moore praised Ayala’s gratitude and faith while also highlighting Healey’s creativity, humor and compassion.

“Your future starts now,” she told the graduates. “Just keep continuing forward.”

As the ceremony closed, educators repeatedly reminded both students that Sequoia would always remain a place of support and encouragement.

Holmgren ended her remarks by asking the graduates to stay connected and remember their worth.

“Please keep us updated on what you’re doing,” she said. “And please, please, please remember how wonderful you are.”

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