Members of Cabrillo High School’s class of 2025 should never give up exploring, even after they leave the Vandenberg Village campus, graduate Keylan Howard told his classmates during Thursday’s graduation ceremony.
“Even though this chapter of our lives is ending, it doesn’t mean we have to stop exploring,” he said while delivering the scholar address. “If you never picked up that hobby you always wanted to try, you still can.
“If you want to learn a new language or pursue a different career, you still can. Maybe you don’t know what you want to do, and that’s fine, but whether we like it or not, the time will pass anyway. So, don’t let the closing of one door distract you from all the others still open.”
Cabrillo High School’s 59th commencement occurred on campus Thursday afternoon with the class of approximately 200 members sporting black or gold caps and gowns.
During the ceremony, more than one speaker mentioned Cabrillo High School’s big win at the Big Game last fall. The Conqs racked up a 48-25 win over crosstown rival Lompoc High School.
Thursday’s ceremony included a welcome by Tobyn Jory, the Associated Student Body executive president.
Cabrillo High School graduates spot a familiar face in the crowd on Thursday during the graduation ceremony. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo 
Cabrillo High School’s Cooper Settje, senior class president, speaks during Thursday afternoon’s graduation ceremony. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo 
Keylan Howard delivers the scholar address during the Cabrillo High School graduation on Thursday afternoon. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo 
Cabrillo High School’s Tobyn Jory, Associated Student Body executive president, speaks during Thursday’s ceremony. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo 
A Cabrillo High School graduate gets a hug while marching into the graduation ceremony Thursday. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo 
The Cabrillo High School Madrigals end their performance during Thursday’s graduation ceremony with a group hug involving members of the class of 2025 and younger students. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo
During his speech, Cooper Settje, senior class president, recalled the awkwardness of freshman year to the uncertainty of senior year.
While the four years flew by quickly, Settje joked that they still didn’t learn the bell schedule.
“We’re all off to do bigger and better things, and I know wherever we go we will succeed,” Settje said. “Our impacts will be felt wherever we land.
“After all, we’re Conquistadores, and our spirit conquers all.”
More than half of the graduates plan to attend a two-year college or a four-year university, while 5% will enlist in the military, Settje said. Others plan to enter the workforce or attend a trade school.
The class of 2025 collected nearly $1.6 million in scholarships and grants, Settje said.
“Don’t back down from adversity, because adversity turns us into champions,” Settje said.
The ceremony also included the Conq’uer address by Yurityi Rivera-Mendez, who shared about immigrating from Mexico, where she was home-schooled.
Senior class treasurer Daniela Balderas presented the class gift, a plaque to note the establishment of a senior lawn. This year’s class also handed off leftover funds to the class of 2026.
Balderas later was revealed as the winner of an award named for Cabrillo’s first principal.
“Class of 2025, congratulations. The future is ours to take,” Balderas said.
Want to celebrate a graduate in your life? Submit your own graduation announcement to Noozhawk’s Class of 2025 showcase.