BALDWIN PARK – North Park High School celebrated commencement for 168 graduating seniors on June 1, recognizing accomplishments as they prepare for the next stage of their educational and career journeys.

Students will matriculate to Mt. San Antonio College, Rio Hondo College, Pasadena City College, East Los Angeles College, UTI and Citrus College, as well as enter the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Army.

The event included a posthumous honor for Jorge Contreras, who died before his planned graduation in 2015. The honor was given to his brother, Cristian Contreras, who graduated this spring.

Scholarships were given to Jesseyln Xena Sifuentes by the Baldwin Park Organization of Supervisors and Administrators, Esteban Rafael Razo Reyes by the Baldwin Park Education Association, to Lizett Guiterrez by the Association of California School Administrators and to Rocio Betancurt by the American Red Cross.

“We are tremendously proud of the Class of 2016 for reaching this milestone,” Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza said. “We wish them success in all of their future endeavors.”

PHOTOS

NPHS COMMENCE_1: North Park High graduates are excited as the school holds its commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the school’s quad.

NPHS COMMENCE_2: North Park High School grad Rocio Betancurt hugs her mom Maria during commencement on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the school’s quad.

NPHS COMMENCE_3: North Park High Principal H. Vincent Pratt presides over the commencement on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the school’s quad.

NPHS COMMENCE_4: North Park High graduate Rocio Betancurt receives a scholarship from the American Red Cross during commencement on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the school’s quad.

NPHS COMMENCE_5: North Park High graduates gave leis of flowers to parents and teachers during the commencement on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the school’s quad.

NPHS COMMENCE_6: Families cheer on their graduates at North Park High School’s commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the school’s quad.

NPHS COMMENCE_7: Graduates celebrate during North Park High School’s commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the school’s quad.

NPHS COMMENCE_8: Graduates parade through photo-snapping relatives during North Park High’s commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the school’s quad.