Double your giving power with NewsMatch. Donate Now!

Congratulations Class of 2023!

Alameda’s Class of 2023 has conquered many obstacles since they started four years ago as freshmen at Alameda High School, Encinal High School, Island High School, and Alameda Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) four years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, in the spring of their first year as high school students, and their campuses were shuttered. For far too long they had to study at home, saw their teachers and classmates only on computer screens, and had no on-campus activities at all.

Alameda Post - a student holds their diploma
Alameda High School graduate. Photo AUSD.
Alameda Post - students at graduation
Alameda High School graduates. Photo AUSD.

But they persevered, overcame those difficulties, eventually returned to campus—and last week nearly 700 of them accepted their diplomas at graduation ceremonies marked by whoops of joy, tears, and cheers.

Many of them are headed to California’s public universities, including every University of California campus and more than a dozen California State University campuses—East Bay, Chico, Fullerton, Channel Islands, Dominguez Hills, Fresno, Northridge, Long Beach, Monterey, Bakersfield, and Sacramento. Many others are choosing to start their college careers at community colleges up and down the Golden State, including Merritt College, Laney College, Truckee Meadows College, Cabrillo College, Diablo Valley College, Sierra College, and Santa Barbara City College.



Alameda Post - a band plays at graduation
Encinal High School graduation. Photo AUSD.
Alameda Post - students walk towards stage for graduation
Encinal High School graduates. Photo AUSD.

Some AUSD grads will attend public universities in other states, including University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Hawaii, Howard University, University of Oregon, Penn State University, Rutgers University, University of Vermont, Montana State University, and Washington State University.

Some have chosen to attend private universities and colleges in and out of state, including University of Southern California, Stanford University, Brown University, Cornell University, Princeton, Sarah Lawrence College, New York University, Tufts University, Vanderbilt University, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Bennington College, Berklee College of Music, Boston College, Bryn Mawr College, Lewis & Clark College, Harvey Mudd College, Pratt Institute, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Vassar College.

Alameda Post - three ASTI students stand together at graduation
ASTI graduates. Photo AUSD.
Alameda Post - students sit in folding chairs wearing graduation attire
ASTI graduation. Photo AUSD.

Some have chosen to study abroad, at University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, and the Sorbonne. Others have decided to serve our country and will start their careers of service at the US Naval Academy (Annapolis) and the US Air Force Academy. And some will be taking a gap year or going straight to work.

“Our students take many paths to graduation and follow many paths after graduation,” said AUSD Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi. “I congratulate all of them for their achievement in graduating high school and their resilience in the face of the historic challenge posed by the pandemic. I thank their teachers for nurturing, guiding, and giving these students the skills they need going forward, and their families for their support.”

Alameda Post - Island High School graduating students sit on benches
Island High School graduation. Photo AUSD.
Alameda Post - a graduate waves a flag above their head
Island High School graduate. Photo AUSD.

Spotlight interviews

Alameda students come from many backgrounds and have a variety of experiences to share. AUSD interviewed four students—one from each high school—about their feelings upon graduating, their next steps, how the pandemic shaped their high school experience, and what advice they would give a new student at their school.

Alameda Post - Vinny Camarillo in graduation attire
Vinny Camarillo. Photos AUSD.

Encinal High School: Vinny Camarillo, Salutatorian and Student Board of Education Member

How does it feel to be graduating?

It feels surreal and I don’t think it has hit me that I graduated already.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I plan on attending Cornell University, majoring in Healthcare Policy and Biology.

You were a freshman when the pandemic hit. How did that affect your time in high school?

I feel like it affected how I retained knowledge. When we got out of our COVID year, I essentially had to relearn everything that was taught the previous year which made it so much more difficult. On top of that, they say Junior year is the hardest, so I struggled more than I think I needed to.

What achievement or achievements are you especially proud of?

I’m very proud of becoming ASB Co-President along with my close friend Macie Laguardia. We were able to organize many different events and activities that we used to do in previous years. I’m also proud of being a part of the group that created the Community Assessment Response and Engagement (CARE) team that partners with our SBHCs.

What advice would you give to a freshman (or new student) at your school?

Learn to be alone sometimes, as these moments are when you truly find out who you are and what you’re capable of achieving.

ASTI: Mabel Minney, graduated with AA degree as well as high school diploma

Alameda Post - Mabel Minney in cap and gown
Mabel Minney. Photo AUSD.
How does it feel to be graduating?

It feels unreal but exciting. I can’t believe it’s been four years since I started. I’m starting to feel I’ve accomplished something and I’m ready for what’s next.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I’m taking a gap year and working as a community organizer for the MLK Jr. Freedom Center. I’m taking this year to get myself grounded, build some good habits, and work for the community. After that I’ll pursue a degree at a four-year college. Right now, I’m thinking something in anthropology or linguistics.

You were a freshman when the pandemic hit. How did that affect your time in high school?

It was really hard to manage during the pandemic. My grades went down, and I lost a lot of the care I would have put into my classes. Coming back from COVID was an adjustment, and we had to work hard to build back the community we lost.

What achievement or achievements are you especially proud of?

I graduated with my AA degree about two weeks before receiving my high school diploma. I decided to go for my AA instead of basic requirements in my junior year, so I had to catch up on credits. I’m proud that I kept up with my classes and got my degree.

What advice would you give to a freshman at your school?

Make friends with people in different grades. We have a small school that can be a great community. Reach out to upperclassmen for help and advice, I’m sure they would love it. When I had to figure out college classes we were still online, and I didn’t have the older students to help me. Take advantage of the size of our school and take care of our community.

Alameda Post - Caprice Ison in cap and gown
Caprice Ison. Photos AUSD.

Island High School: Caprice Ison, cared for her grandparents, worked part-time, and got her diploma

How does it feel to be a graduate?

I take pride in what I have accomplished and the person I have become. Graduating proved that I can overcome obstacles and am capable of great things.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am going to attend college at Western Oregon University and pursue a career as an ultrasound technician, a field that combines my passion for healthcare and technology. The decision of this path was not made lightly. I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that healthcare professionals can have on individuals and their communities. The ability to contribute to the well-being of others is a calling that I hold close to my heart. Through my studies and training, I aim to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.

You were a freshman when the pandemic hit. How did that affect your time in high school?

There have been ups and downs throughout my high school years, and each one has tested my resilience and determination. I have faced academic challenges, personal struggles, and moments of doubt and uncertainty. But through it all, I have persevered. I learned to pick myself up after each setback and to keep pushing forward towards my goals.

What achievement or achievements are you especially proud of?

Graduating, public speaking, and learning that success is not just about getting good grades or achieving a certain status, but also about the strength of our character and the values we hold dear.

What advice would you give to a new student at your school?

My advice is to embrace every opportunity, believe in your abilities, and remember that your potential knows no bounds. High school is a time of growth, exploration, and self-discovery. It’s important to build good study habits, time management skills, and communication skills. Students should focus on building relationships with teachers, friends, and becoming comfortable asking for help. It’s important to get rid of the “I don’t care attitude.”  I was once that student that didn’t care, but I realized you must care to improve your outcome. It’s never too late to turn your life around. I encourage people to self-evaluate, keep a positive mindset, be true to themselves, and have faith or hope.

Alameda Post - Paul Gontard
Paul Gontard. Photo AUSD.

Alameda High School: Paul Gontard, Valedictorian

How does it feel to be graduating?

Proverbially lifting my head from my school books at long last, I am both exhilarated by the new horizon of college and in bittersweet reflection on this whirlwind high school experience.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I will be attending Stanford University, and I look forward to pursuing my academic passions across the natural sciences and humanities.

You were a freshman when the pandemic hit. How did that affect your time in high school?

In retrospect, the academic deprivation of distance learning thrust me further into my self-guided studies, cementing my understanding that I am most joyful when learning. Missing the depth of an in-person experience further motivated me to seize all the opportunities available upon returning to physical school. I also became more deeply involved in affinity and club spaces—leaning into rebuilding and restructuring after the long pause.

What achievement or achievements are you especially proud of?

I am pleased to have been able to give back to my community across AUSD through my leadership of the AUSD LGBTQ+ Roundtable, AHS GSA, and other advocacy initiatives. Although I am honored to have received academic distinctions, I am most glad to have been able to make a positive impact on peers and the greater community through service and activism.

What advice would you give to a freshman (or new student) at your school?

Pursue your interests earnestly, whatever they may be. Engage with the courses and organizations that appeal to you, making the most of the resources at hand. Connect with your instructors and show them due gratitude. And don’t forget what you can contribute to maintain a thriving school environment, whether it be a courteous presence in the packed hallways, an energetic performance in an assembly, or curious discourse in the classroom.

KQED Curated Content
Thanks for reading the

Nonprofit news isn’t free.

Will you take a moment to support Alameda’s only local news source?
During November and December, double your giving power with NewsMatch!