Irvin Dorantes, left, addresses graduates of Optimist High School. Alfred Stern III, middle, and Martwaunn Thornton, right, react. Five students graduated from the school this week. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Alfred Stern III, who now is testing at the 12th-grade level, did well enough to be dually enrolled at Eagle Rock High School, from which he also graduated. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Augustine Magana, who is on his third high school, expects to graduate from Optimist High School in August and wants to become an actor. I just feel more confident about myself, he says. My best behavior was at this school. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Erika Ventura, a transgender student, hopes to graduate in August, but has leukemia and is undergoing chemotherapy. Im an optimist. Its just, like, a happy word, she says. They want you to succeed in the future here. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
