Ortiz, the school’s Admissions Representative, missed her college graduation ceremony when her husband had an unexpected health scare. Unbeknownst to her, the staff at her school were ready to help.
In addition to scheduling meals for the Ortiz family, Registrar Margarita ‘Maggie’ Gonzalez and Office Administrator Andrea Artega Garcia came up with the idea to hold a surprise commencement ceremony just for Ortiz.
“It all started in the front office,” North Oak Principal Dr. Michael Fuga said. “Rayna has developed such a close relationship with Miss Maggie and Miss Andrea up front because they're the ones that kind of coordinate and organize all our tours and our front office things. They realized she wouldn’t be able to attend her commencement, so they started planning one here.”
On the left, North Oak Academy Registrar Maggie Gonzalez (left) and Admissions Representative Rayna Ortiz pose for a photo after the ceremony. On the right, North Oak Academy Principal Dr. Michael Fuga and Admissions Representative Rayna Ortiz pose for a photo after the ceremony.
Dean of Upper Elementary Clarencia Green coordinated with the 3-5 grade teachers to provide an audience, and Principal Fuga agreed to don his own cap and gown to complete the ceremony. Students lined each side of the hallway as Ortiz was brought down to that wing of the school. She realized a surprise was coming when Green offered her a black graduation gown to wear.
That’s when the tears started to flow.
“Let me just say that was probably one of the most meaningful moments of my life,” Ortiz said. “It's just so crazy how my North Oak team, they're not colleagues anymore; I can really call them my family. To see all the people that I genuinely care about gather around to celebrate such a huge milestone meant more to me than I could really put into words.”
Students and staff applauded as Ortiz strode down the hall and back, her graduation gown flowing. Waiting at the end was Principal Fuga with her diploma and a hug.
“When I looked down the hallways, I saw our principal Dr. Fuga. He was standing there in tears, and I turned to the side, and I saw everyone and all the kids, it hit me even more. I was trying not to cry but I completely lost it.”
Principal Fuga said the school’s connection to Ortiz comes naturally.
North Oak Academy Admissions Representative Rayna Ortiz (left) hugs Principal Dr. Michael Fuga during the ceremony.
“Our school couldn't do what we do, and I couldn't do what I do as a principal without somebody like her. She’s very good at what she does. She’s one of one. Her heart is pure, and she is always trying to find ways she can connect people to a school that is welcoming and safe. She deserved the opportunity to be recognized.”
Ortiz said students offered their personal congratulations throughout the final days of the school year, approaching her to say they also wanted to have a moment like that.
“I had a few students come up to me and say ‘Miss Ortiz, when I grow up, I want to be (a graduate),’ and I told them ‘OK, you can do it!’ I felt like it had them thinking, ‘What am I going to do? I want that special moment.’”
Ortiz said doctors are continuing to help her husband recover, and she knows that her North Oak family will continue to support her.
“I couldn't have asked for a better ceremony. I know the school ceremony was more special to me than going to the actual graduation. It was just so beautiful. I’m glad to know that North Oak isn't just a place I work, it's my home.”
Congratulations on your graduation, Rayna, and great work supporting her, North Oak!
About North Oak Academy
North Oak Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Durham, North Carolina, serving students in kindergarten through sixth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 68,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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