Graduation is one of the most important milestones in a young person’s life. It's important not just as a celebration of their achievement, but also as a way to send them off towards their future. Parents and administrators of Desert Sands Unified School District came together to do just that on Thursday, celebrating the Class of 2024 seniors who graduated as part of the district’s summer school program.
Kevin Bibo, director of college and career readiness, kicked off the ceremony with the presentation of colors by the BFFU-Post 3699 Color Guard from Indio. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, sung by Alana Romero, a student from Palm Desert Charter Middle School.
Kailee Watson, DSUSD board president, addressed the students directly in a speech.
"Today we gather to celebrate a journey that has been marked by determination, resilience and a commitment to learning.” Watson said. “Class of 2024, you have chosen a path less traveled. You have demonstrated courage in facing challenges head on and perseverance in overcoming obstacles that have stood in your way.”
The school district offers two semesters of high school credit recovery during June and July for students who need to recover missed high school credits to graduate. This summer, 53 students from across the district completed the credits needed to join what Watson described as “a distinguished group of Desert Sands graduates … a community that values perseverance, achievement and the pursuit of excellence.”
Watson emphasized to the graduating class that their accomplishments demonstrated determination, and that they should be proud of themselves. “Attending summer school to graduate is no small feat. It’s a testament to your hard work and commitment to your education," she said.
President and CEO of OneFuture Coachella Valley Sheila Thornton expressed gratitude towards the students, their parents and the board of directors for inviting her to the ceremony. She spoke to the students about the value they bring both to themselves and their family’s lives, and also the world at large.
“What I encourage you all to do is start seeing the value in yourselves. Be compassionate with yourselves," Thornton said. "We focus a lot of attention on what we do wrong. We need to focus on the value that each of us bring.”
Following the remarks, graduates walked up to the stage one by one as their names were announced, accepting their diplomas to the sound of cheers from friends and family.
David Gustafson, the senior director of secondary curriculum, expressed pride towards the graduates on behalf of the district. "(The graduating class) overcame obstacles, came to summer school, finished strong and got to walk across the stage and be a high school graduate," he said.
He also said the district’s collaboration with school sites is what makes the summer school, and its graduation ceremony, possible.
“It’s teamwork," Gustafson said. "It’s all of our schools coming together to celebrate these accomplishments today.”
He also mentioned the graduating class was smaller than the previous years. “It doesn’t matter if we have six, 60 or 600, we’re going to celebrate every one of those graduates," he said.
A message shared by the speakers was that while graduation is a milestone for the graduates, it is not the end. Thornton encouraged the graduates to keep in touch with OneFuture, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Coachella Valley youth in education or career-related pursuits after high school. Gustafson also talked about the district’s plans to keep in contact with students.
“We have taken measures to ensure we stay in contact with all of our graduates … to ensure they have things like their financial aid taken care of. And if kids need extra help, that support is available for them.”
Coachella Valley Unified School District celebrated its summer graduates from Coachella Valley High School, La Familia High School and Desert Mirage High School last week. Palm Springs Unified School District also honored 53 summer graduates from Cathedral City High School, Desert Hot Springs High School, Rancho Mirage High School, Palm Springs High School, Mt. San Jacinto High School, Desert Learning Academy and Grad Alliance last week as well.
"These students persevered through challenges and stayed committed to their education, achieving their diplomas," said Deanna Keuilian, director of secondary curriculum and instruction at PSUSD, in a statement.
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Alex Grauel is The Desert Sun's summer 2024 intern. He's a rising senior journalism student at Arizona State University, and a Cathedral City High School graduate. You can email Alex at agrauel@palmspri.gannett.com.
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