Esperanza High School Celebrates its Class of 2025

On Thursday, June 12, Esperanza High School (EHS) held its 2025 commencement ceremony at Nathan Shapell Memorial Stadium, where 358 seniors were awarded their high school diplomas.

Among these seniors, 91% have enrolled to continue their education at a two- or four-year college or university. The EHS Class of 2025 also included 159 CTE completers in Medical Sciences, Engineering and Manufacturing, Teacher Pathway, Digital Design, 14 AP Capstone candidates, 2 College Board National Merit Scholarship Finalists and 1 College Board National Merit Scholarship recipient.

The ceremony featured honored guests such as Board of Education Clerk Todd Frazier and Trustee Leandra Blades, PYLUSD Assistant Superintendent Renee Gray, Executive Director Dr. George Lopez and Directors Dr. Baldwin Pedraza and Mike Young and Principal Loan Sriruksa.

Students Juliana Carr and Diya Lane addressed the crowd with reflections on their time at Esperanza and well wishes for their fellow graduates. Class Valedictorians Rylee Marshall and Samantha Yokote were also recognized.

Principal Sriruksa shared words of optimism with the graduates, saying, “Class of 2025, I want you to remember this: the world you are about to step into needs what you’ve shown us here—your intelligence, your perseverance, your empathy, your energy, your voice. You are stepping into a big world of unknowns. Don’t let fear hold you back from greatness. Don’t let comfort keep you from growth. So go out there and be brave. Be bold. Be kind. And when the road ahead looks uncertain, remember—you are from Esperanza. You were built on hope.”

Following the acceptance of the class by Trustee Blades and the presentation of diplomas, the new graduates turned their tassels from right to left while streamer cannons blasted off, concluding the ceremony and marking the end of their time at Esperanza.

Congratulations, EHS graduates!

Click here to view Esperanza’s ceremony on the district’s YouTube Channel.