Archive for the ‘Education’ Category

Dozier-Libbey Medical High School sends off 151 Class of 2025 grads into the real world

Tuesday, June 17th, 2025
The 151 members of the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2025 celebrate, some by tossing their caps into the air. All photos by Selena Cedano unless noted.

By Allen D. Payton

The 151 graduates of the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2025 celebrated their commencement on Thursday evening, June 5, 2025, inside Wolverines Stadium at Deer Valley High School, along family, friends, faculty, staff and school board trustees. Entering to the traditional sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” the class was led onto the field by Principal Blair Wilkins.

DLMHS Principal Blair Wilkins leads the processional onto the field at Wolverines Stadium and class members wait to be seated Thursday evening, June 5, 2025.

The Presentation of the Colors by the U.S. Navy Color Guard was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by three of the graduates, Gabriel Fuentes-Carrillo, Hannah Chung and Shari Bengco. ASB President Chloe Liang then led her classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ASB President Chloe Liang leads in reciting the National Anthem as AUSD Director of Student Support Services Tim Cooper participates (left). Video screenshot. The U.S. Navy Color Guard presents the Colors and Hannah Chung, Shari Bengco and Gabriel Fuentes-Carrillo perform the National Anthem.

Wilkins welcomed all those in attendance and introduced Antioch Unified School District Board President Antonio Hernandez, Vice President Mary Rocha and Trustees Dee Brown and Olga Cobos-Smith, and district leadership. Hernandez then shared his thoughts about his own experience as a Dozier-Libbey graduate.

Principal Wilkins spoke to the graduates followed by School Board President, and Dozier-Libbey alumni, Antonio Hernandez, as teacher Lisa Godinez (left) and Trustees Dee Brown and Olga Cobos-Smith (right) listen.

Student Speakers

Saryah Tokhay and Valedictorians Johnross Rayos and Jessica Rodriguez spoke to the graduates.

Tokhay spoke of “Hope” quoting Emily Dickinson. “That bird, hope, has been with us all along. It sang when we were little first graders. It sang when our hands and knees shook during our first high school presentation.”

She then spoke of several teachers scheduling tests “all in the same week. It was like an academic ambush.”

“It sang quietly in the background reminding us that we’ve made it this far,” Tokhay continued speaking about hope.

Student speakers included Saryah Tokhay (left) and Valedictorians Jessica Rodriguez and Johnross Rayos.

She then mentioned preparing for her final school project and some inspiring words from her younger, 12-year-old sister. “She said that to remind me of this wild, emotional, in-between moment is something I’ll miss someday, that I’ll want to feel this moment again.”

“She said it to help me understand that instead of dreading an unknown future, I should live in this moment and let that little bird’s quiet and steady voice sing of hope,” Tokhay stated.

She then thanked the teachers, families and her friends. 

“The bird still sings. Congratulations, Class of 2025,” Tokhay concluded.

The Class of 2025 listen to the speakers and graduates line up in the queue for their diplomas, guided by members of the Honor Guard from the Junior Class.

Together, Rodriguez and Rayos took to the podium and shared their thoughts, as well.

Rodriguez spoke of their time in school together saying, “Four years ago we were graduating middle school, not in person but behind a screen” referring to their experience during COVID. She compared that to “walking through our small campus in our scrubs.”

“Suddenly things got real,” she continued. “We became more thoughtful, culturally aware. Group projects redefined how we work together and communicate.”

“Then, junior year came crashing in more demanding than we expected with new AP classes and heavier workloads,” Rodriguez shared. “Then we began senior year, the year we assumed would drag on but actually went by in a blink.”

“We became involved in our community, discovering the impact we could have and realizing we were truly growing up,” she stated. “Along the path we made priceless friendships. High school taught us a final lesson. It’s in our hands to pave our own road, create our future. I hope all of us remember that we were forged into one family…the changes and contributions we make in the future will impact all of us. Perfection was never the goal, progress was.”

“Your strength is only limited by the boundaries your mind places on your heart. Break through them, We did it and now the next chapter of our lives is beginning,” Rodriguez concluded.

Rayos implored his classmates to remember the words, “Good enough. You are good enough.”

He encouraged the graduates to reflect on their time at Dozier-Libbey. “You are more than enough.”

“You are more than qualified to become a nurse, a doctor, an engineer or whatever you decide to pursue in your career,” Rayos stated. “Think of today’s ceremony as the beginning of another journey…that will mold you into something amazing and fulfilling; a journey worthy of infinite memories and a worthy story you can pass on to your future families.”

“And please remember, you will always be enough,” he concluded.

Many of the graduates decorated their caps with personal messages.

Wilkins offered his first graduation speech as principal saying, “I would like to thank you for welcoming me to our school community. Congratulations on earning your high school diploma, a major milestone that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Each of you before me has a story and your next chapter is just about to start.”

“You are prepared to face life’s challenges because you are a graduate of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School,” he continued. “I would like to wish you luck.”

Wilkins then offered “key pieces of advice that I’ve learned since graduating 26 years ago from this very field,” referring to his own time at Deer Valley High School.

Video screenshots.

“Continue to advance yourself through education,” he stated. “Education is the key that will unlock doors and your growth as you continue. Surround yourself with good people. With good people, working as a team, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”

“Don’t forget about the community that helped raise the person who you are,” Wilkinson encouraged the class. “Strong communities need strong leaders like you.”

“You are not just the future of America, you are the proof that all people, from all walks of life can come together and be stronger as one,” Wilkinson concluded.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne then offered the official Acceptance of the Class of 2025, informing them they had completed all the state and district requirements to graduate.

“Henceforth you are to be considered high school graduates and alumni of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School. Congratulations,” he stated to cheers from the class and audience.

The diplomas were then distributed by the school board trustees as the names were read by DLMHS teacher Lisa Godinez.

Senior Class President Talia Major leads her fellow graduates in the turning of their tassels. (Left – Video screenshot)

Senior Class President Talia Major then led her fellow classmates in the turning of the tassels saying, “The tassel turning is meant to signify the closing of one chapter and the opening of another. As we close our chapter at Dozier-Libbey one specific song comes to mind. One Direction once said, ‘Good-byes are bittersweet, but it’s not the end. I’ll see your face again.’ Since this is our last time together I have no doubt in my mind that we’ll all go on to success.”

That was followed by several of the graduates tossing their caps into the air to celebrate.

See video of the graduation on the DVTV YouTube channel.

Congratulations Dozier-Libbey Class of 2025!

Antioch High says farewell to 340 Class of 2025 graduates

Friday, June 13th, 2025
A few members of the Antioch High Class of 2025 graduates toss their caps into the air to celebrate at Eells Stadium on Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton

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.

Principal John Jimno and ASB President Fifita Grewe lead the Class of 2025 into Eells Stadium for the graduation 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.”

The U.S. Marines Color Guard and ASB President Fifita Grewe stand at attention for the National Anthem before speaking to her fellow graduates.

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 Jimno speaks to the graduates.

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.” 

Many of the graduates decorated their caps with special messages.

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 Salutatorian Grace Fung (left) and Valedictorian Zack Gregson (right) share their thoughts with the graduates.

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.”

The graduates received their diplomas from School Board Trustee Dee Brown (left) and Board President Antonio Hernandez (right) on stage at Eells Stadium.

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.”

Graduates celebrate receiving their diplomas on Wednesday, July 11, 2025.

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.

The AHS Class of 2025 graduates turn their tassels under the leadership of Class President Aeowynne Magototo.

“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!

Deer Valley High graduates 331 in Class of 2025

Wednesday, June 11th, 2025
A few graduates of the Deer Valley High Class of 2025 tossed their caps into the air to celebrate following the ceremony Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton

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.

The Divine Voices performed the National Anthem following the Presentation of Colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard.

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.”

Vice Principal Mike Green served as Master of Ceremonies and Principal Veronica McClennan offered her remarks Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025.

“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 President Priscilla Rodriguez and Valedictorian Zeb-Alexander Congson share their thoughts with their classmates.

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.

Trustees Dee Brown (left) and Antonio Hernandez (right) hand out diplomas to the graduates.

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.

With help from the Honor Guard graduates queue up to receive their diplomas.

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.”

Several graduates expressed their excitement upon receiving their diplomas.

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.

The traditional turning of the tassels was led by Class President Priscilla Rodriguez.

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.

Many graduates decorated their caps with personal messages.

Congratulations to the Deer Valley High Class of 2025!

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

CoCoTax June Luncheon to feature Oakland mayor recall leader

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a Board and Members Meeting Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant at 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord, on Friday June 27, 2025, at 11:45 am. Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay online or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door: $25 for members, $30 for guests.

MEET OUR SPEAKER: SENECA SCOTT

Seneca Scott moved to Oakland in 2012 to work as the East Bay Director for SEIU Local 1021, representing and negotiating improvements to wages and working conditions for thousands of workers in East Bay cities, most notably Oakland. He also co-founded community groups Bottoms Up Community Gardens and Oakhella.

In 2020, Seneca ran for City Council to bring a voice to his neighbors that he felt was being ignored.

His Neighbors Together movement has since exploded across the city, demanding accountability from its Mayor and City Council.

He later led the successful effort to recall Mayor Sheng Thao and started the YouTube channel Gotham Oakland. He also frequently posts on X about the failures of Oakland’s progressive leadership.

Seneca has worked as a Labor leader and community organizer for over 20 years. He earned his B.S. from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Oakland’s Crisis and Its Implications for Other Cities and Counties

Despite levying high taxes, Oakland suffers from high crime, business closures, blight, and uncontrolled homeless encampments. The City has also faced repeated fiscal crises in recent years.

As Seneca will discuss, the explanations for Oakland’s problems include public corruption and the dominance of a progressive ideology which sounds noble but does a disservice to most residents.

We’ll also learn what lessons Oakland’s troubles might hold for neighboring cities, and whether we in Contra Costa County have anything to worry about

June 27, 2025  11:45 AM – 1:10 PM

Denny’s, 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord

Registration

  • Member – $25.00
  • Non-Member – $30.00

www.cocotax.org/event-6189658/Registration

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Opinion: Birth certificate lies? New CA bill lets minors rewrite reality—without parental consent

Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

By Greg Burt, VP, California Family Council

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California legislature continues to disregard the rights of parents and ignore their religious beliefs regarding their children with the introduction of AB 1084, a bill that expedites the process for changing a person’s name and sex on official documents—including birth certificates and marriage licenses—based on “gender identity” rather than biological reality.

While author Assemblyman Rick Zbur (D-Beverly Hills) says the bill is a necessary response to efforts making it “harder for transgender people to live safely and openly as their authentic selves,” it is in fact a profound assault on both truth and parental rights. AB 1084 is not just another procedural update. “Not only does it further legitimize the false idea that sex is a choice,” said Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council. “But it’s designed to sideline the very people God has charged with the care and guidance of children: their parents.”

Biological Reality Can’t Be Legislated Away

A person cannot change their sex. Sex is not “assigned at birth”—it is observed and recorded. It is an immutable, biological reality encoded in every cell of our bodies. It is not up for revision with a court order or a fill-in-the-blank on a government form.

But AB 1084 expedites this legal fiction, compelling courts to issue approval for name and sex changes to reflect not biological sex, but subjective gender identity within two weeks. 

The Real Target: Parental Authority

While the entire premise of the bill is flawed, its most egregious offense is against parents.

AB 1084 claims to honor parental rights by requiring both living parents to approve a minor’s request to change their name and sex on legal documents. But this is a bait and switch. If one parent objects, the court will only consider the objection valid if it demonstrates “good cause.” And what is explicitly not good cause? Belief in biological sex.

You read that right. Under AB 1084, a court must disregard a parent’s objection if it is based on the belief that their child’s proposed gender identity does not align with their biological sex. In other words, if you believe—scientifically, morally, or religiously—that sex is binary and unchangeable, your views are disqualified from legal consideration.
Here is how the text of the bill explains it: “(D) A hearing date shall not be set in the proceeding unless an objection is timely filed and shows good cause for opposing the name change. Objections based solely on concerns that the proposed change is not the petitioner’s actual gender identity or gender assigned at birth shall not constitute good cause.”

This isn’t just bad policy. It’s discriminatory, unconstitutional, and tyrannical.

A Constitutional Crisis

The U.S. Supreme Court has long upheld the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. In Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), the Court declared: “The child is not the mere creature of the state.” And in Troxel v. Granville (2000), the Court reaffirmed that “the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children… is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.”

Yet AB 1084 places the state as arbiter of a child’s identity over and above the rights of parents. It effectively says: “Parents, you can raise your child—unless your views clash with state-endorsed gender ideology.”

This is an ideological test for parental rights. And it must be resisted.

A Slippery and Dangerous Precedent

Once the state arrogates to itself the power to nullify parental objections rooted in deeply held religious or biological convictions, where does it stop?

  • Will it override a parent’s objection to irreversible medical procedures?
  • Will it compel schools to keep secrets from parents about their children’s gender identity?
  • Will it use the denial of “affirmation” as grounds to remove children from their homes

A False Solution to Real Pain

The advocates of AB 1084 claim that this bill is about protecting transgender and nonbinary individuals from discrimination. But true compassion never requires us to lie. A government that redefines reality to affirm feelings is not protecting anyone—it’s merely swapping one kind of harm for another.

Children, especially minors struggling with gender confusion, need truth, not affirmation of delusion. They need wise, loving guidance—especially from parents, not judges. By empowering minors to legally alter their identity with minimal pushback, California encourages life-altering decisions without adequate reflection or maturity.

And these changes are not harmless. Once legal documents are changed, it can set off a domino effect leading to puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries—often before a child’s brain is even fully developed.

What Must Be Done

California Family Council stands firmly opposed to AB 1084 and any law that undermines biological truth and parental authority. We urge the legislature to reject this bill and call on citizens to raise their voices in protest.

We are also calling on constitutional lawyers and religious liberty advocates to prepare challenges to this legislation should it pass. It will not stand the test of judicial scrutiny—and it certainly will not stand the test of time.

Bill Status

This bill has already passed the Assembly Judiciary and Health Committees and now sits in the Assembly Appropriations Committee Suspense File.  On May 23 the committee will announce its decision on whether the bill progresses to the full Assembly for a vote. 

About California Family Council

California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.

Antioch Charter Academy II honored as state 2025 Civic Learning Award school

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

Only recipient in Contra Costa County

SACRAMENTO—Thirty-four California schools have been named recipients of the 2025 Civic Learning Awards, honoring and recognizing measurable schoolwide achievements in civics. The award program, now in its twelfth year, is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.

“When young people advocate and raise their voices, they have the power to drive meaningful change in their communities,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “Education is fundamental to achieving our democratic ideals, and these schools have played an exceptional role in shaping the leaders of the future.”

“I find these award applications truly inspiring—each one is deserving of recognition,” said Chief Justice Guerrero. “They highlight the powerful stories of committed educators who, despite the challenges, are finding creative ways to ensure students can fully engage with and understand civics.”

Since their inception in 2013, the awards have been presented more than 500 times to traditional, charter, and magnet schools. In recent years, community schools and continuation schools have submitted high-ranking applications. This year, a court school applied for the first time. 

Applications are reviewed and scored by a panel of judges comprised of representatives from the California courts and the California Department of Education (CDE) who are not tied to counties or districts in the pool. 

In addition to the information provided by the applicant, points are added for schools in districts with Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) that include terms and actions associated with civic learning. Applicants also earn points for participating in the Judges in the Classroom program and for creating processes and criteria related to the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

Middle School: Antioch Charter Academy II earned a 2025 Civic Learning Award of Distinction

Award of Distinction in 2017; Award of Merit in 2018

Antioch | Contra Costa County

Antioch Unified School District

The Civic Learning Awards began in 2013 and are part of the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, which includes other programs such as Judges in the Classroom. More information is available on the CDE Civic Learning Award for California Public Schools web page.

Additional resources to support civic learning and engagement are available on the CDE Resources to Support Civic Engagement web page and the CDE State Seal of Civic Engagement web page.

Los Medanos College celebrates 51st Commencement May 23

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025
Mural designed, created, and installed by LMC art students to celebrate the 51st Commencement. Source: LMC

Honors 1,358 Class of 2025 graduates on Friday

By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

Pittsburg, CA – Los Medanos College is pleased to announce its 51st Commencement celebration to held at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, May 23 inside the LMC Stadium.

The ceremony honors 1,358 graduates who earned 2,266 awards, including 662 associate of arts degrees, 176 associates of science degrees, 228 associates of arts degrees for transfer, 302 associates of science degrees for transfer and 698 certificates of achievement.

The stadium is located at 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. Students should plan to arrive no later than 1:15 p.m. for check-in and line-up on the Softball Field.

“We are exceedingly proud of the Class of 2025,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “This group represents resilience and courage as well as an abiding hope for a brilliant future.”

As part of her address to graduates, Ralston will highlight graduating students for their achievements in the classroom, in their campus life and in the community. She will acknowledge the special status of several of the graduates who persevered as the first in their families to attend and graduate college. Others, she recognizes for their determination to expand their horizons even as they care for children or others. She also recognizes students who continued to work to support their families while attending college, veterans, and those who took courageous steps to start new traditions and events, contributing to the cultural wealth of LMC’s college community.

Featured graduation speakers Naw Shanyda Soe, Associate of Arts: Biological Science, Graduating with Honors and Mikayla Ari Hubbard, Associate in Science for Transfer: Business Marketing, Graduating with Honors. Source: LMC

Other featured speakers include honors graduates Naw Shanyda Soe, Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts: Math and Science, Associate in Science for Transfer in Biology, and a Certificate of Achievement in Intersegmental General Education, and Mikayla Ari Hubbard, Associate in Arts for Transfer in Business Administration and a Certificate of Achievement in CSU General Education. Los Medanos College Associated Students President Armon Gozalez and District Student Trustee Halena Neyazi will help lead the turning of tassels.

Ceremony Details

The 2025 ceremony will be held on May 23, 2025, at 2:15 PM inside the LMC Stadium on the Pittsburg campus.  Students should plan to arrive no later than 1:15 PM for check-in and line-up on the Softball Field.

The ceremony is general admission and no tickets are required to attend. There is NO RESERVED SEATING at the stadium. The stadium bleachers have wheelchair access with limited seating for people with disabilities.   Chairs will also be placed on the walkway at ground level of the field for additional seating and accessibility. Guests should arrive early for optimal seating.

Source: LMC

LMC Stadium Policy: Prohibited Items

Los Medanos College is committed to providing a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation with the following:

The following are not permitted anywhere on-campus:

1. Alcoholic beverages and smoking

2. Dogs/animals (except for service animals)

3. Weapons or explosives of any kind

The following are not permitted inside the Stadium:

Guests who attempt to bring the following inside the stadium will be asked to take them outside and/or return them to their vehicles.

1. Artificial noise-making devices 

2. Glass bottles

3. Balloons

4. Signs/displays larger than 11”x17”.  (All signs must be hand carried and may not be mounted on posts/poles/etc.)

5. Umbrellas larger than 42” are not permitted in the bleachers.  (Larger umbrellas may be used in other areas of the stadium.)

For more ceremony details for the Class of 2025, please visit the LMC Commencement website. Additional details regarding the event will be available soon. Keep checking that page for more information.

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.

4th Annual Texas Hold’em Tournament fundraiser for Antioch and Deer Valley High Marching Bands and Color Guard May 17

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025

Supporting The Pride of Antioch High School and Deer Valley Marching Band and Color Guard

Get ready for the most thrilling night of the year at the 4th Annual Texas Hold’em Tournament!

Join us for an unforgettable evening supporting the AHS and DVHS Marching Band and Color Guard. This event is packed with excitement, including:

  • Fantastic prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
  • A delicious dinner to satisfy your taste buds
  • Exciting raffles with amazing prizes
  • A lively atmosphere with great company and lots of fun

Whether you’re a poker pro or just looking for a fun night out, this event has something for everyone. The cost is $75 for the full event, or $20 for the Dinner Only option.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to support our talented musicians and performers while having a blast. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready for a night of fun, excitement, and great memories!

See you there!

For tickets use the QR codes or visit https://antioch-band-backers-association.square.site/shop/2023-poker-night/7.

For more information about the Antioch Band Backers visit www.antiochbandbackers.com.