The sun came out just in time for the 440 Dos Pueblos High School seniors who graduated Thursday evening.

The class of 2024 was celebrated for their resilience and record-breaking achievements, and for making the most out of tough situations. 

The ceremony began with performances of the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield performed by the DPHS Jazz Choir. 

Stephania Monjaraz Rios spoke about how the memories she and her fellow graduates made will shape them into better people and how together the class of 2024 faced unique challenges.

“Today ends an important stage of our lives, but a new one begins,” Rios said. “Together, we were able to face the difficulties presented to us, and that is why we are fulfilling one of the first proposed goals — our graduation.”

Principal Bill Woodard reminded the graduates how they began their high school journey — on Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020.

“Instead of the new clothes, the excited and nervous trip to your new high school, you began your high school journey at home alone, logging on to something called Zoom,” Woodard said. 

Woodard went on to remind the graduates that while their high school experience started online, it didn’t stay that way. 

“By March of your freshman year, the sun broke through like today, and you began your in-person high school experience,” Woodard said. “Despite that beginning, during your time here at DP, you not only persevered, you thrived.”

Woodard celebrated that the Dos Pueblos class of 2024 has dozens of first-generation graduates going to college, 11 International Baccalaureate diploma recipients, a school-record 266 students who completed a career technical education pathway, and that this class led the district in the highest English and math scores on the state’s Smarter Balanced exam.

“Looking back, your ability to make the most of the hand you were dealt, overcome obstacles and to not let the initial setbacks hold you back is your lasting legacy of your time here at DP,” Woodard said. 

Woodard became choked up when recalling this year’s senior prom, which was held outside at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, and how the unexpected rain drenched the students, who kept on dancing. 

“Soon, we were all a soaked, muddy mess,” Woodard said. “But after overcoming so much, there was no way a little rain was going to keep the class of 2024 from having the time of their lives, and so you spent a glorious evening dancing the night away in the rain.”

Woodard closed his speech by reminding the graduates to always remember that as an example of their resilience.

“To the class of 2024, keep that spirit of making the most of any situation, rolling with the punches, finding ways to bring joy to any situation,” Woodard said, “and whenever it rains, I hope you think back fondly on your crazy, magical time here at DP.”

Valeria Tiburcio Romo, Associated Student Body president, spoke about her experience as a first-generation student, how high school gave her a fresh start, and reminded her classmates to seek out new opportunities.

“My parents were not lucky enough to receive formal education, but in moving to this country, they made sure that I was,” Romo said. “Which is why I quickly learned that education was not a right, but a privilege.”

Romo reminded her classmates to go out and find their communities. 

“​​Take this opportunity, have a fresh start, and go find your community,” Romo said. “Once you leave DP, you will always have this Charger family, but I encourage you to seek out more, make your world bigger.”

Hanadisamar Jitani Trujillo spoke about her journey moving from Mexico to the United States and navigating education as a visually impaired student. 

“It was here at Dos Pueblos High School where I found not just the school, but a nurturing community that embraced empathy wholeheartedly,” Trujillo said. “I am grateful for the friendships I have formed, the understanding of my peers who became my eyes on navigating the school environment, and the unwavering support of our dedicated educators.”

Charlotte Choi spoke about the class of 2024’s Zoom beginning and how her classmates made it through tough times together. 

“DP is somewhere we have all learned how to survive, and hopefully even thrive. I truly believe that it is the Charger community that made all the difference. The people closest to me have taught me who I am,” Choi said. “You can go to other high schools, take similar courses, maybe even participate in similar programs, but you wouldn’t have the people that make DP, DP.”

Helping to award the diplomas to the graduates were Santa Barbara Unified School District Superintendent Hilda Maldonado, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Lynne Sheffield and school board member Gabe Escobedo. 

The Dos Pueblos commencement took place Thursday evening along with San Marcos High School and Santa Barbara High School. Altogether, 1,500 students in the Santa Barbara district graduated this year, according to the district.