FONTANA, CA – More than 2,600 graduates crossed commencement stages during Fontana Unified School District’s (FUSD) Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies, celebrating years of academic achievement and personal growth as they prepare to pursue futures in higher education, military service, careers, and skilled trades.

Fontana Unified honored graduates from its five comprehensive high schools, continuation high school, and adult school from May 26-28 through ceremonies filled with reflections on family sacrifice, cultural pride, celebrations of first-generation achievement, and heartfelt farewells from fellow students.

The Class of 2026 includes graduates headed to prestigious institutions including UC Berkeley, UC Los Angeles, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and Cornell University, while others will enter the armed forces and workforce across a variety of industries. The graduating class also includes 11 students who crossed the commencement stage having already earned an associate degree or completed the California General Education Transfer Curriculum Requirements through Dual Enrollment programs offered across FUSD.

“Each graduate walking across the stage is a reflection of 13 years of unwavering dedication and the support of the FUSD community,” Superintendent Miki R. Inbody said. “We are proud to celebrate the Class of 2026. Whether our graduates are heading to college, careers, military service, or new pathways of their own, I am certain that they will go on to live their purpose and represent the resilience we build at Fontana Unified.”

A.B. Miller High School

A.B. Miller families and loved ones cheered on more than 380 graduates, 83 recipients of the Golden State Seal Merit Award, and 111 recipients of the State Seal of Biliteracy, as Principal Dr. Barbara Kelly challenged graduates to move into the future with integrity, empathy, and respect.

Valedictorian Olivia Alvarez plans to attend Chaffey College and pursue nursing while salutatorian Jesse Camacho will attend California Baptist University to study aviation. During the ceremony, the senior class presented a $3,000 class gift to be allocated toward banners that will be displayed across campus.

“Class of 2026, put forth effort into yourself. That work will come back 100-fold,” Alvarez said. “Bet on yourself every single time. If we made it here, just imagine how much farther we will go.”

Jurupa Hills High School

Jurupa Hills celebrated the Class of 2026 for having more than 70 students earn an International Baccalaureate diploma, associate degree, or certificate, while achieving a graduation rate above 96%, surpassing the statewide average of 92%. Thirty percent of graduates earned the State Seal of Biliteracy and six graduates are enlisting for military service.

Co-valedictorians Vanessa Martinez and Bryan Martinez Rizo will continue their education at UC Irvine, majoring in business administration and civil engineering, respectively, while salutatorian Ashley Suarez will attend UCLA.

“Class of 2026, high school tested all of us in different ways,” Rizo said. “There were moments we felt overwhelmed, moments we doubted ourselves, and moments where the future felt uncertain. But we kept going. And that resilience is what defines our class.”

 

Henry J. Kaiser High School

Henry J. Kaiser High School’s ceremony highlighted the importance of embracing change and pursuing growth while celebrating the accomplishments of its 440 graduates. Ninety students earned the State Seal of Biliteracy and 130 students received the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma.

Valedictorian Ryan James Amoranto plans to attend UC Irvine and major in biomedical engineering, while salutatorian Nayla Sandoval will attend UC San Diego to study electrical engineering.

“I do not know how our lives will play out. After all, our accomplishments and skills have expanded our opportunities into multiple pathways,” Amoranto said. “We are all special. We all have the potential for infinite growth, and we are all capable of blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.”

Fontana High School

Fontana High School’s commencement ceremony was filled with Steeler pride as more than 650 graduates celebrated the school’s “Live Maroon” culture and reflected on the perseverance required to reach graduation.

Two FOHI graduates were recipients of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship, with estimated values of up to $370,000, showcasing the opportunities outside of traditional academic pathways.

Valedictorian Briana Powell plans to attend UC Berkeley and study molecular and cellular biology, while salutatorian Natalie Vasquez will also attend UC Berkeley and major in chemical biology.

“Class of 2026, after we leave this arena, our class ranks and social status will not matter,” Powell said. “But what will matter is the integrity and humanity we show others.”

Summit High School

Summit High School graduates were encouraged to “pursue their purpose” throughout a ceremony centered on past reflection and future ambition. Principal Dr. John Richmond challenged students to move forward into their futures with “full intention.”

More than 600 students graduated, with 20 receiving an Advanced Placement Capstone diploma and 95 receiving the State Seal of Biliteracy. The commencement ceremony included the presentation of a senior class mural gift for future generations of Skyhawks.

Valedictorian Aaditwan Chahal plans to attend UCLA and major in biophysics, while salutatorian Leia Abanes will attend UC Berkeley to study architecture.

“All 600 plus of you will spend your entire lives making your speeches, your statements to the world,” Shah said. “You guys are living mosaics of your experiences.”

Eric Birch High School

More than 150 Eric Birch High School graduates reflected on the school’s culture of support, second chances, and perseverance during a ceremony that highlighted the unique journeys of its graduating class.

Student speakers Austin Avila and Desiree Burt encouraged classmates to continue moving forward despite adversity and thanked teachers and staff who helped guide them on the path to graduation.

“We didn’t just graduate,” Burt said. “We survived, we grew, we refused to give up. Being here today is proof that even through the hardest times, it is possible to keep going.”

Fontana Adult School

Fontana Adult School’s ceremony featured deeply personal speeches from graduates who reflected on overcoming addiction, depression, family responsibilities, and years away from school, showcasing what it means to persevere.

Student speakers Brenda Lopez Verua, Mariana Marcus, and Alanda Mayhew shared their stories of personal growth, with Mayhew additionally recognized for writing the music played during the ceremony’s recessional.

“As I stand before you today in this cap and gown, my heart is full, my emotions are high, and my spirit is soaring,” Mayhew said. “No matter how far you fall, you can rise again. One day at a time, one step at a time, you can change your life.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

 

FUSD_2026GRAD1: A.B. Miller High School graduates celebrate as blue and silver streamers fall from above during commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2026.

FUSD_2026GRAD2: A Jurupa Hills High School graduate holds up his diploma after walking the stage during the school’s commencement ceremony.

 

FUSD_2026GRAD3: A Henry J. Kaiser High School graduate waves to the crowd while holding up her diploma during the recessional.

FUSD_2026GRAD4: Fontana High School students look up as maroon and white streamers fall, signaling the end of their high school careers and the beginning of their next chapter.

FUSD_2026GRAD5: Summit High School graduates smile and wave to family members in the crowd during their commencement ceremony.

FUSD_2026GRAD6: Eric Birch High School graduates embrace as their commencement ceremony comes to a close.

FUSD_2026GRAD7: Fontana Adult School graduates celebrate the completion of their educational journeys during commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2026.