BALDWIN PARK – Baldwin Park Unified School District celebrated 958 graduates in the Class of 2019 for their hard work and accomplishments during commencement ceremonies at Baldwin Park, North Park Continuation and Sierra Vista high schools on June 5 and 6.

The ceremonies featured poignant speeches from class valedictorians, salutatorians, principals and academic leaders in front of thousands of friends, families and educators.

North Park Continuation High School held its celebration on June 5, and rolled out the red carpet for 143 graduates as they prepared to embark on the next stage of their academic and professional careers.

“We are tremendously proud of our talented and passionate students who are going on to pursue academic, professional and personal goals,” Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza said. “I also want to thank our dedicated team of educators, faculty and administrators for ensuring high achievement for all of our learners.”

Baldwin Park and Sierra Vista high schools held commencements on June 6. Fifty-nine seniors from Baldwin Park and Sierra Vista graduated with valedictory honors, holding GPAs of 4.0 or higher.

Thirty-five seniors from both schools graduated with highest honors – a GPA of 3.8 to 3.99 – and 76 graduated with honors, holding GPAs of 3.5 to 3.79.

This year, students were awarded thousands of dollars in local and national scholarships, including a Gates Scholarship.

Baldwin Park High School valedictorian Tommy Nguyen and salutatorian Ryan Nguyen delivered speeches to 423 graduates and thousands of cheering families, staff and educators.

“Four years ago, we stepped onto Baldwin Park High School’s campus as bewildered and embarrassed freshmen,” Braves valedictorian Tommy Nguyen said. “Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure to grow alongside all of you and watch as our class matured and became undeniably the most iconic class in our school’s history.”

Sierra Vista High School salutatorian Jennifer Hang, who will attend University of California, San Diego, thanked her family, friends and teachers for helping support her on her way to success. She encouraged her 392 fellow graduates to never give up and chase their dreams.

Sierra Vista valedictorian Abrahan Vasquez earned the 2019 Gates Scholarship, one of just 300 students across the nation to receive the honor that comes with an all-expense-paid scholarship.

“I know this sounds cheesy, but this is a dream come true for me – ever since I was little, I was a bookworm and someone who wanted to do the best that I can,” Vasquez said. “I wanted to, and still want to be a hero, so I’ve given my all to school and in life in order to lay the foundations for my own hopefully bright future.”

“I hope that because of what I accomplished here, I have the chance to improve not only my own life, but also the lives of my family, my community and maybe someday, the world,” Vasquez said.

PHOTOS:

BPHS_GRAD_2019: More than 420 graduates celebrated their achievements during a commencement ceremony in front of thousands of families, educators and community leaders on June 6.

NPCHS_GRAD_2019: More than 140 seniors celebrated their graduation on June 5, featuring a ceremony where graduates take a moment to recognize and honor an individual who helped them reach their goals.

SVHS_GRAD_2019: More than 390 graduates celebrated their achievements during a graduation ceremony on June 6 in front of thousands of families, educators and community leaders.