MDUSD Celebrates Summer School Class of 2026 Graduates at Concord HS ceremony

About 37 students in the Class of 2026 who completed their graduation requirements during the summer were honored in a graduation ceremony on July 23 at Concord High. Dressed in the caps and gowns from their eight schools, the graduates received their diplomas at a ceremony where they were recognized for their accomplishment by Chief of Educational Services Samantha Allen, Governing Board President Debra Mason, Northgate High Principal Kelly Cooper, and other school administrators, as well as their families and friends.

Allen praised the graduates for overcoming obstacles and meeting milestones to achieve their goals. "Use your gifts to better our world," she said. "Our world needs people like you." 

Quoting football coach Vince Lombardi, Board President Mason said: “Winners never quit and quitters never win." Noting that the graduates persevered beyond the end of the regular school year to complete their credits, she said: "You're all winners and I would hire you all in a second. I'm honored to accept this 2026 graduating class."   

After the brief ceremony, the joyful graduates posed for photos with their families and friends.

"I’m very proud of myself and I’m happy to be able to graduate along with with my friends," said Glenbrook Academy graduate Blanca Caal in Spanish, translated by her mentor. "This has taught me to never give up and that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to."

Prospect Continuation HS graduate Andrew Jose Casarez said he was grateful for the support he received during his senior year, after he transferred from Ygnacio Valley HS because he was behind in credits. "The teachers will never let you give up," he said, noting that it was initially tough to leave his friends at YVHS. "It was worth it in the end because here I am now, graduating, Class of 2026!"

Ygnacio Valley HS grad Fatima Aiyami, who started her junior year at the school after moving to the U.S. from Afghanistan, said she was very happy to be graduating. "The principal and the vice principals helped me," she said. "It means a lot for me to be here and I appreciate everything."

MDUSD Summer School Graduation photos (clockwise left to right): Ygnacio Valley HS Principal Amanda Loushin presents a diploma to Fatima Qiyami; Prospect HS graduate Andrew Jose Casarez proudly holds his diploma after the ceremony; Olympic HS Principal Courtney Lyon hugs a graduate as she presents her diploma; Glenbrook Academy graduate Blanca Caal smiles with a bouquet after the ceremony.