Xavier Thornton has made a name for himself through his work in drama productions such as “American Idiot” and “School House Rock Live!” along with his other performances in Dance I. Yet, his beginning here at Mission hills had not been as glamorous as one may think.

  “I’ve only been here for two years. I came to Mission Hills because I was bullied so much at my old school; and I thought this would be a new start for me, until I started getting bullied here. I got bullied to the extent that I didn’t feel like I belonged. The people I made friends with helped me out and stood up for me; they called the police and saved my life. They were the voices I didn’t know I had,” Thornton said.

   His classmates have not been the only ones to make a stand for him though, as a few teacher also lent him a helping hand in both his personal and school life.

  “Mr. Dellorfano and Mrs. Almanza both took their time to know who I am and show me that there is a world out there where I can make a difference,” Thornton said.

    Xavier plans to join the Navy’s mass communication service and become a photographer after he graduates, yet the transgender politics in the military may stand in his way. If that happens, he will go to Palomar College and transfer to the Academy of Arts University to fulfill his dream of becoming a director.