By Allen D. Payton

The 340 graduates of the Antioch High School Class of 2025 – smaller than in recent years – were celebrated inside Eells Stadium on Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. They entered the field to the traditional sound of Pomp and Circumstance. The Presentation of Colors was provided by the U.S. Marines Color Guard and the National Anthem, known as “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played over the loudspeakers as all in attendance stood at attention out of respect to begin the ceremony.

Fifita Grewe, Associated Student Body President “for the second year in a row” – she pointed out, was the first to speak to the graduates and audience.

“To all my family and friends, and boyfriend, of course, thank you for being my biggest cheerleaders. I love you all,” she stated. “We are celebrating the beginning of a new journey. High school was definitely not easy. But with the support…I was able to push through.”

Grewe was also Homecoming Queen and the 2023 Antioch Youth of the Year.

“Don’t wait until all the good times are just good memories. Enjoy them now,” Grewe encouraged her fellow classmates. “It’s never a good-bye. It’s see you later.”

Principal John Jimno welcomed everyone to the commencement ceremony and introduced the other student speakers.

Salutatorian Grace Fung spoke of her grandmother who did not get an education because it was not allowed for females.

She also spoke of her parents who are both deaf “living in a silent world.” 

Fung then asked her classmates, “Who’s ready to jump into the end portal with me?” making a reference to the Minecraft online game.

“The game doesn’t end here,” she stated. “I thought high school was the end game. Life is not a linear path. Life doesn’t end here. This is only the first of many…battles we will face.”

“Twenty years from now you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the things you did to,” Fung encouraged the graduates. “This is only the beginning.”

Class Valedictorian, Zack Gregson, spoke next, saying, “You all challenged me to grow as a student but also as a person. The connections I made at this school made it more memorable.”

He then spoke briefly in Spanish which was met with a round of applause. 

“Over the past four years we’ve changed both externally and in character,” he continued. “We’ve been fortunate enough to call this school our home.”

“Discipline was the quiet force that brought us all to this stage today. It’s the difference between wishing and doing,” Gregson stated. “We’re here because we kept going. That’s something to be proud of. Let’s take the same discipline and courage with us. Keep showing up. Keep moving forward.”

He spoke in Spanish, again and then ended with, “Congratulations, everyone. We earned this. We’ve already proven we could do hard things. Now let’s do great ones.”

Principal Jimno then offered his thoughts saying, “It is an honor and privilege to stand before this graduating class. It’s been so fun to watch you grow and come together as a class.”

“One thing that stands out about this class is your service to others,” he stated. “You have truly inspired me.”

Interim Antioch Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne then offered the official acceptance of the Class of 2025, having met all the state and district requirements for graduation.

Antioch School Board Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha offered a few words, as well, and reminded the graduates, “you’ll always be a Panther and bleed black and gold.”

The class members then received their diplomas from Trustee Dee Brown and Board President Antonio Hernandez as they crossed the stage to the cheers of friends and family.

Senior Class President Aeowynne Magototo offered Closing Remarks and led her classmates in the turning of the tassels. She’ll be attending UC Davis in the fall.

“Wow. High school is over on a random Wednesday morning,” she said with a chuckle.

Magtoto spoke of her parents, “Emigrating me and my sisters to America” and then spoke briefly in her native Filipino language of Tagalog.

“I want you to take this chance to reflect,” she continued. Referring to the graduates’ shared experience during COVID Magtoto said, “We went from online screens to wearing masks. We were lucky to have all four years on campus.”

“Life isn’t a fairy tale. Tender bruises, growing pains have shaped me into the person I am today,” she stated.

“We are young and wild. There’s nothing stopping us,” Magtoto implored her classmates. “Don’t forget to live in the moment of ‘alwaysness’. We’ve waited our entire lives for this moment.”

She then led the graduates in the turning of the tassels on their graduation caps signifying the completion of the ceremony. A very few tossed their caps into the air to celebrate, and they exited the stadium to the sounds of Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration”, as family and friends met their graduates on the field and surrounding Mike Hurd Track.

See video of the entry procession on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.

Congratulations to the Antioch High School Class of 2025!

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Four positions in five years

UPDATE: Board members, district staff refuse to provide copy of Dr. Darnise Williams’ resume, one says she never had it

By Allen D. Payton

Following the Antioch School Board Closed Session meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Board President Antonio Hernandez stated, “We don’t have anything to report out from Closed Session.” But he then said, “We do have copies of that superintendent contract. The Board has identified as our final candidate, Dr. Darnise Williams.”

Before the regular meeting began, Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha announced a cake in the Board Room in honor of Hernandez who graduated that Sunday with master’s degrees in public policy and education. He said he will now return to finish the last two years of medical school.

Superintendent Appointment

During their June 11th meeting, the trustees on a vote of 3-1 with Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha the lone dissenter and Area 4 Trustee Olga Cobos-Smith absent, approved Williams’ three-year contract which lasts through June 30, 2028. This reporter was the only member of the public to speak about the hiring of the new superintendent, mainly about the process, that it was not transparent and done without giving the public the opportunity to meet and learn about her background before the school board hired Williams, and suggested they postpone the vote. (See 1:35:50 mark of meeting video)

“As I mentioned from previous closed session, we did identify and we’re super happy to have Dr. Darnise Williams as our contract finalist,” Hernandez stated. “I will reiterate the extensive search we undertook.”

Compensation

According to her employment agreement, for the 2025-2026 school year, she will be paid a Step One salary of $353,045 plus, a Doctorate stipend of $4,189 for total of $357,234 for the school year. Williams will also receive $12,000 for relocation expenses, $1,569 per day for up to a maximum of five eight-hour days to meet with the Interim Superintendent prior to July 1, 2025. Her benefits include a monthly automobile allowance of $300, health insurance and a term life insurance policy.

Controversial Background

An internet search resulted in several articles about the new AUSD superintendent’s current and previous two jobs, all in the past five years, offering details about the controversies surrounding her.

According to a December 14, 2022 article by the Palo Alto Daily Post Williams worked as the Sequoia Union High School District superintendent but left “amid a controversy.” She resigned from the $274,191-a-year job a day before, “though it wasn’t clear whether she jumped or was pushed by the school board to quit.”

“She had been superintendent since April 2021 after leaving a job in the Los Angeles Unified School District where she trained school principals and administrators about race and diversity,” the article reported.

A May 13, 2023, report by The Daily Journal, which serves the Peninsula on the west side of the San Francisco Bay, reported Williams was hired as the “new Pacifica School District superintendent.” She began the position on July 1st that year.

“Williams previously served as superintendent of the Sequoia Union High School District from April 2021 to December 2022,” the report continued. “Williams’ ousting came after she received a positive evaluation and the board voted 4-1 in August to extend her contract for three more years. The decision to separate sparked public outrage, leading some to accuse the board of racism, stocking distrust and acting illegally.”

District’s Announcement

The District announced Williams’ hiring on June 12th. It reads:

———–

Following a rigorous national search that attracted more than 31 accomplished educational leaders, the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Darnise R. Williams as the District’s next Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Williams was chosen through a thorough and inclusive process that involved stakeholder engagement, performance-based interviews, and a comprehensive background check.

With over three decades of dedicated service in California’s public education system, Dr. Williams has established herself as a leader with a student-centered approach and a knack for building systems that support all learners. Her journey has seen her excel at every level of education, from classroom teacher to site leader, district executive, and most recently, superintendent. Her belief in the transformative power of public education has always been her guiding light.

Dr. Williams’ career is marked by the successful launch of initiatives that have significantly increased access, enhanced instructional quality, and elevated support for historically disadvantaged students. Her leadership in the Pacifica School District saw the development of a multi-year fiscal stability plan and the successful voter approval for a local parcel tax to support programs. She also spearheaded the funding and groundbreaking of a workforce housing project, a move intended to improve teacher recruitment and retention.

Dr. Williams’ efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has secured state and federal grants for Strong Workforce, Career Technical Education (CTE), and early literacy, expanding opportunities for students to discover their strengths, explore future careers, and excel academically. The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Region 16, previously recognized her contributions and she was awarded the Curriculum Administrator of the Year title. Her reputation as a thoughtful, solutions-oriented leader is respected statewide.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the next Superintendent of Antioch Unified,” said Dr. Williams. “I believe in the brilliance and potential of every child—and I’m committed to working alongside our students, educators, families, and community to continue building schools where students are seen, supported, and inspired every day.” A proud product of Los Angeles public schools. Williams earned her high school diploma from Crenshaw High School, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills and a Doctoral degree in

Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Her leadership is rooted in experience, compassion, and a steadfast focus on student achievement, student voice and well-being.

Board of Education Welcomes a Leader with Heart and Vision

Statement from Antonio Hernandez, Board President

“Dr. Williams emerged as the clear and compelling choice in a pool of highly qualified candidates. She brings the vision, integrity, and calm strength needed to guide Antioch into its next chapter of growth and transformation. Her leadership is both strategic and deeply human—grounded in a commitment to see every student for their academic potential and their whole story. Dr. Williams’ focus on foster youth, students with special needs, and multilingual learners aligns powerfully with the heart of our District’s mission. She brings a rare combination of technical expertise, inclusive instructional knowledge, and the ability to listen with empathy and act with decisive clarity. We believe her leadership will leave a lasting, positive imprint on our schools, students, and the broader Antioch community.”

Dr. Williams will officially begin her role as Superintendent of Antioch Unified School District on July 1, 2025. Please click here to access Dr. Williams’ narrative bio.

———–

UPDATE: CV/Resume Not Provided

While District staff provided the narrative biography for Williams, with glowing accolades, a two-week effort to obtain he curriculum vitae, i.e. resume, from either Hernandez, the other board members or district staff was unsuccessful. Trustee Rocha said she was never given one and the same was reiterated by one of the panelists who interviewed the candidates but chose to remain anonymous. However, that person said they did meet the candidates in person, disputing what Area 3 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan said about the hiring process during the meeting. A LinkedIn profile showing Williams’ work history could also not be found in an online search.

Although Dr. Williams introduced herself to this reporter following the vote, she did not respond to an email to the account with her current position at Pacifica School District asking for a copy of her resume and for her to call this reporter for an interview.

Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.

Fundraiser for Stand Down on the Delta 2025

By Antioch Parks & Recreation Department

City of Antioch! Kick off the Fourth of July Celebration with our Annual Parade! It will be held on W. 2nd Street in historic, downtown Rivertown.

Share your celebratory spirit with floats, performances, and special appearances!

Last call for sign-ups are June 23rd! for more info visit our website: antiochca.gov/recreation/parade-entry-info

Join us an historic celebration! 

By Delta Veterans Group

Come out on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14th at 11AM as the VFW will officially rename Antioch VFW Post 6435 in honor of John McMullen, a proud U.S. Army Veteran and lifelong Antioch resident who dedicated his life to this community — even helping build the very VFW building we’re naming after him!

815 Fulton Shipyard Road, Antioch

And what better day than the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday to celebrate John’s legacy of service?
We’re honored to welcome Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal and other local officials for this special dedication. Let’s come together to celebrate John’s life, service, and the values that unite us.
Don’t miss this powerful tribute to a true hometown hero!

By Allen D. Payton

Deer Valley High School celebrated 331 graduates in the Class of 2025 inside Wolverine Stadium Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. The traditional processional of Pomp and Circumstance was performed by the Deer Valley Band led by Music Director Ryan Carr. That was followed by the Presentation of Colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard. The National Anthem was announced by Salutatorian Jordynn Chung and performed by the Deer Valley Divine Voices led by Choral Director Alivia Logan. Vice Principal Mike Green served as Master of Ceremonies.

Opening remarks were offered by Antioch Unified School District Board President Antonio Hernandez who spoke of his own journey through Antioch schools and will be graduating with two master’s degrees from Stanford University in public policy and education.

Principal Veronica McClennan welcomed all in attendance and offered her appreciation saying, “To the family and friends, you have been a guiding voice for these graduates. You have shaped who they are, who they’ll become.”

“To the teachers, coaches and staff, your guidance goes well beyond the grade. You have…believed in our students,” she continued.

McClennan then offered encouraging, departing words to the graduates.

“To our graduating Wolverines…you are stepping into this world…full of promise,” she stated. “You are ready to enter this world to write your story. Be bold, be courageous, be humble.”

“Remember, success is measured by impact. Congratulations, graduates. We are already incredibly proud of you,” McClennan added.

Class Speakers

Class President Priscilla Rodriguez spoke first acknowledging, “the families who motivated us and kept pushing us to the end.”

“Thank you to our teachers…who made a big impact on our lives,” she continued.

To her fellow classmates Rodriguez said, “I wish you all nothing but the best because the world doesn’t know what’s coming next. Only you do.”

Valedictorian Zeb-Alexander Congson, who will be attending UC Berkeley and studying aerospace engineering, also thanked the families, his fellow classmates and the faculty. 

“Your belief in us is what made this rare moment possible,” he stated.

Then speaking about his own experience Congson said, “I never wanted to be a scholar, an athlete. It wasn’t until my first volleyball try out that my thinking began to shift. That one push kick started four seasons. I realized how much I gained from one step into one unfamiliar territory.”

To his fellow graduates he advised, “It won’t always be easy. But growth is rarely easy. Push your comfort zone.”

Interim Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne then offered the official acceptance of the Class of 2025, having met all the state and district requirements for graduation.

The Divine Voices performed again, singing, “Shine Like Stars” and “It’s So Hard to Say Good-bye”.

Then the graduates enjoyed what they all looked forward to, receiving their diplomas. Math Department Chair Maria McClain and Math Instructor Jessika Tate read the names, as Area 3 Trustee Dee Brown and Hernandez, who represents the District’s Area 1, handed out the diplomas.

Senior Class President Rodriguez returned to the stage to lead the class in the turning of their tassels to conclude the ceremony. A few graduates followed the celebratory tradition of tossing into the air their caps – many of which were decorated with personal messages.

Congratulations to the Deer Valley High Class of 2025!

See video of the processional on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.