Brentwood High School seniors became alumni during the school district’s graduation ceremony on June 27, marking the culmination of years of academic achievement and the beginning of a new chapter.
Following the morning’s weather uncertainty, the ceremony took place under mostly clear skies as thousands of family, friends and staff members gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026.
“Years from now, people may not remember every award they’ve won or every grade they’ve received,” said Board of Education President Eileen Felix, standing with the entire board at the podium.
“But they will remember how they made others feel. They will remember if they used their gifts to make a difference. They will remember whether they chose fear or courage, silence or leadership, selfishness or service. That will be his legacy. Class of 2026, your story is just beginning.
In what has become a beloved Brentwood tradition during graduation season, Superintendent Wanda Ortiz-Rivera began her speech by asking everyone in attendance to do “the wave,” pointing to large sections of the crowd like a conductor as the audience rose from their seats. This year’s wave, Ortiz-Rivera said, was the best he’s ever seen.
“There are no limits to what Brentwood students can achieve,” said Ortiz-Rivera. “But while I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved, what I am most proud of is something much deeper. “I’m proud of who you are.”
It should be noted that the speeches of Melanie Ruiz (best average at the Ross Center at Brentwood High School), Alex Chaparro (second best average at Ross), Luis Romero (best average at Sonderling Center) and Mauricio Meza (second best average at Sonderling) highlighted the support of teachers and classmates that reinforce the Brentwood identity.
Likewise, the pride of graduating with dozens of college credits thanks to the district’s “Graduation PLUS+” initiative; They even included some lyrics from Bad Bunny songs.
As graduates repositioned their cap tassels and tossed them into the air, the ceremony celebrated not only the achievements of the Class of 2026, but also the collective support of families, educators and the Brentwood community who helped guide them to graduation.
“Thank you for leaving Brentwood better than you found it…” said Principal Dashana Dulin in her closing remarks. “No matter where life takes them, Brentwood will always be their home.”
