San Jose
Unified School District
High School Seniors Triumphantly Celebrate Graduation
![First page of the PDF file: June-2024-ESY-MSHS-Bkfst]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716924273/sjusdorg/mlnlm5gzlpvzfver8vkf/Gradspotlightsocialgraphic.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716924273/sjusdorg/mlnlm5gzlpvzfver8vkf/Gradspotlightsocialgraphic.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716924273/sjusdorg/mlnlm5gzlpvzfver8vkf/Gradspotlightsocialgraphic.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716924273/sjusdorg/mlnlm5gzlpvzfver8vkf/Gradspotlightsocialgraphic.png","width":1080}])
The Class of 2024 has endured a lot during the past four years. This year’s seniors didn’t have a typical high school experience. Thanks to pandemic restrictions, they missed out on their 8th Grade Promotion and started freshman year in distance learning. Transitions under normal circumstances can be challenging, and many seniors feel like they’ve continually been tasked with readjusting expectations and learning how to cope with the aftermath of COVID-19.
“It was hard not having my 8th grade promotion to celebrate my entrance into high school and a new phase of life,” said Liberty Alternative senior Taylor Pembrook. “My ninth-grade year was virtual so by the time I got to campus for my sophomore year, I felt stunted. Like I lost time and never got to fully catch up.”
Over 2,000 seniors across eight high schools make up the Class of 2024. 669 students have earned the Golden State Seal, and 290 students will leave with the Seal of Biliteracy. They will follow a variety of paths – college, military, trades, just to name a few – that will unlock local and global opportunities for them to truly become the thinkers, leaders, and creators of tomorrow. As high school draws to a close, eight San José Unified seniors reflect and share what the last four years have meant to them and what lessons they’re carrying forward after graduation.