By Velma Wilson

We are prepared to have some great resources and services provided for our 13th Annual Stuff The Bus school supply giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. Join us at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) on W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Please REGISTER

If you have/know of a great (preferably FREE) resource or have beneficial info that you would love to share with the community!!

If you are a self-contained food truck!!

Link: https://form.jotform.com/251927197459169

or scan the QR code below!

The QR code below will also give you access to information including a volunteer sign-up form as well as ways to donate to this event!! Please share

For families looking to register, registration is now open. You will see that information pop up via this link: https://linktr.ee/4evermefoundation

UPDATE: Claryssa Wilson, a dedicated Antioch High School alumna, community leader, and founder of the renowned annual event, is proud to announce the return of the 13th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway, an event that has become a cornerstone of community support and youth empowerment in East Contra Costa County. Since its inception when she was just in the 6th grade, Claryssa has been committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of socioeconomic background, has access to the essential tools needed for academic success.

This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be held at the Contra Costa County Event Park (Fairgrounds), located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch, CA. Over the past twelve years, this inspiring initiative has provided backpacks filled with school supplies to over 40,000 students across Antioch, Pittsburg, and neighboring communities. It has grown into a collaborative effort with numerous local organizations and sponsors, including the Golden State Warriors, the Antioch Schools Education Foundation, Adonal Foyle’s Kerosene Lamp Foundation, and many others who share a common vision of fostering educational opportunity and community resilience.

“No student should face a new school year without the basic supplies they need to succeed,” said Claryssa Wilson, founder and host of the event. “Our mission is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to learn, grow, and excel. By providing these supplies, we’re helping to level the playing field and inspire hope for a brighter future.”

This year’s event is expected to reach and serve thousands of students, many of whom are vulnerable and face significant barriers such as foster care, homelessness, or economic hardship. The event will feature an array of family-friendly activities, vendor booths, and entertainment designed to bring joy and support to families. Children and parents will have the opportunity to enjoy performances by Jordan Orosco, known as The Mathemagician, whose engaging magic and math demonstrations foster a love of learning. The event will also include a Stepz Dance Fitness segment, interactive games, resource tables, and much more to create a festive, supportive atmosphere.

One of the new highlights this year is a full-service Hair Salon, offering FREE haircuts, braiding styles, washes, blow-drys, and silk presses. This service aims to boost confidence and help families prepare for the upcoming school year. Services will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration is required.

In addition to the giveaways and entertainment, the event provides a platform for community organizations, local businesses, and educational resources to connect with families, share information, and foster ongoing support. The event’s overarching goal is to create a sense of unity, hope, and empowerment for families, especially those most in need.

All media outlets and press representatives are warmly invited to cover the event. To coordinate interviews with Claryssa Wilson or for additional information, please contact:

Phone: (925) 250-3051
Email: Blessedbydesgn09@gmail.com

The Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway is organized by the 4ever Me Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Claryssa Wilson in 2012. Over the past decade, the Foundation has dedicated itself to supporting foster children, unhoused youth, and children facing homelessness, providing vital supplies, mentorship, and community support. To date, the Foundation has served more than 40,000 students and continues to expand its outreach and impact.

All donations, sponsorships, and gifts to the 4ever Me Foundation and the Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway are tax-deductible and vital to maintaining and growing this impactful community effort. Contributions can be made through the Foundation’s website or by contacting the organization directly.

Join us this August in making a tangible difference—helping empower students to succeed academically and build a foundation for lifelong achievement. Your support ensures that no child is left behind because of a lack of basic school supplies. Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient community where every student has the tools to thrive.

Lists key accomplishments

The Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) proudly acknowledges the leadership and impact of Interim Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne, who concludes his service to the district today. Dr. Wayne’s tenure brought much-needed clarity, stability, and student-centered direction to a district undergoing significant transition.

Dr. Wayne assumed leadership in January 2025 during a period of instability and immediately established structures that strengthened governance, improved communication, and prioritized educational equity. As noted by Board President Antonio Hernandez, “Dr. Wayne stepped in with clarity, compassion, and purpose. He reestablished trust and direction among the Board and brought renewed focus to student outcomes and systemic improvement.” Dr. Wayne helped shift the culture in Antioch, setting a different tone from the beginning — one of accountability, collaboration, and focus on what matters most: students. His work has laid a strong foundation for continued progress.”

Key accomplishments during Dr. Wayne’s tenure include:

• Collaborating with the Board of Education to engage in governance workshops, improve district communication, and begin reestablishing a foundation of trust

• Strengthening efforts to improve literacy and support professional learning communities in schools

• Implementing clearer, more transparent budget and governance practices

• Advancing equity-focused initiatives including work tied to the NCUST audit and special education services

• Supporting the launch of a student board member policy for the first time in district history

Dr. Wayne also published a Leadership Transition Report that outlines progress made and identifies key opportunities for continued growth. Titled “A District with Promise, A Future with Purpose,” the report highlights strengths to celebrate, opportunities to embrace, and the importance of authentic collaboration moving forward.

Telephone 925.779.7600 Fax 925.779.7515

“It has been a true honor to serve the Antioch community,” Dr. Wayne shared. “This is a district filled with passionate educators, resilient students, and a community that cares deeply. I believe in the district’s potential and am confident in the foundation we have laid.”

As AUSD welcomes incoming Superintendent Dr. Darnise Williams on July 1, the district remains committed to building on the progress and positive momentum established under Dr. Wayne’s leadership. His final day in the position was Monday, June 30, 2025.

For more information or to request a copy of the Leadership Transition Report, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at (925) 779-7500.

The City of Brentwood joyfully celebrated its Second Annual Juneteenth Festival this past Thursday with a powerful showcase of culture, unity, and artistic expression. Opening the event with a moving performance was Antioch-based Virtuous Voices Music Academy, whose singers delivered a heartfelt tribute to freedom through song.

As the first act of the day, Virtuous Voices set an inspiring tone for the festival, reminding attendees of the power of music to uplift, connect, and reflect on our shared history. Their performance underscored the importance of celebrating freedom – especially in today’s world where unity and expression remain essential.

The Virtuous Voices Singers performing at the event were Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva, and Mya King.

Virtuous Voices Music Academy, known for cultivating confidence and creativity through vocal performance and music theory, was honored to be part of this meaningful community event.

“We are so proud of our young singers,” said Tiffany Stewart, founder of Virtuous Voices Music Academy, a vocal coach and Music Theory Teacher. “To open a celebration as important as Juneteenth is a true honor. Our students sang not only with skill, but with heart.”

The Juneteenth Festival in Brentwood continues to grow as a cherished local tradition, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating Black culture, resilience, and excellence.

For more information about Virtuous Voices Music Academy, visit www.virtuousvoices.com.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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 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!

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!

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.

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.

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

Paid advertisement