Conejo Valley High School graduate has learned the value of hard work
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

A MOMENT TO REMEMBER--Students from Conejo Valley and Century high schools participate in commencement. This year's ceremony was conducted last Thursday at Conejo Valley High School.

Kyle Greenberg knows the value of working hard and setting goals. In December, he reached his goal of finishing all high school requirements by his 18th birthday.

Greenberg worked hard to reach his goal. While attending high school in Newbury Park, he also worked a full-time job as a manager of an electronics chain store in Simi Valley.

Achieving goals makes him feel good.

"When you realize how far you've come, it's quite remarkable," he said. "I'm proud of myself."

Last week, he officially graduated from Conejo Valley High School along with 143 other seniors.

Greenberg transferred from Westlake High School in his junior year because Conejo Valley High offered a more flexible schedule. He wanted to keep his job while going to school.

While at Westlake, he saw teens driving expensive cars to school. But because Greenberg's had few material things handed to him, he's learned to work hard.

He admits he'd take a highpriced vehicle if it were handed to him. But, blossoming with maturity, he added, "In the end, what is it teaching me? It's not teaching me anything. It's not teaching me morals. It's not teaching me responsibility."

The second oldest in a family of six children, Greenberg moved out on his own about two years ago. He shares an apartment in Newbury Park with several roommates. He's even paid off his car.

English and journalism teacher Kathy Dichirico was impressed by the strong work ethic, business savvy and empathy of the 18-year-old. She noted how Greenberg quickly volunteered to buy a local paralyzed woman a new wheelchair after hers was taken away because she couldn't afford to pay for it.

"When he hears of someone in need, he's willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to make sure that kind of injustice is solved," Dichirico said. "He has a big heart."

Dichirico says Greenberg also is diplomatic and has a personable nature.

Greenberg wants to clear up a misconception many people have about the alternative high school-that it's full of drug addicts. That's not so, he says.

"I think Conejo, it's an awesome atmosphere. I think the teachers are 100 percent dedicated to all the kids," he said. "It's a really connected atmosphere."

Greenberg served as the student representative on the Conejo Valley Unified School District Board of Education and passionately debated the need for a new alternative school facility, even though it wouldn't benefit him.

He argued that students who attend Conejo Valley High deserve as fine a facility as students at the district's three other high schools. The board approved building a new school. "(It's) for the future kids of

Conejo; you can't teach these kids in a bungalow," he said. "It felt good to be a part of that."

Capitalizing on his passion and compassion, Greenberg

wants to become a lawyer. In the meantime, he'll continue working two jobs and will attend Moorpark College. He also plans to get a real estate license.