Summer Commencement Brings Class of ’09 to End

Students from Throughout District Participate in Ceremony

Families of the nearly 200 students who participates in San Diego Unified's annual Summer Commencement Ceremony, for high school seniors who hadn’t fulfilled graduation requirements in time for June ceremonies with their high school class, filled the Lincoln High School auditorium on July 31,

“We’re celebrating these students, who have in many cases overcome a great deal of adversity to receive their high school diploma,” said Superintendent Terry Grier. “They know this is their last chance to put on a cap and gown and walk as a member of the class of 2009.”

Students from all of the district’s 18 high school campuses participed. Each student’s name, as in the traditional ceremony, was read aloud, and students wore the caps and gowns in their school's traditional colors.

Seniors who participated are those who may not have passed the California High School Exit Exam in time for June graduation, or needed summer school to pick up credits needed to graduate.

Supt. Grier spoke to the students just before the traditional march to receive their hard-earned diplomas. This is the fourth year that the district has held the special summer ceremony. In previous years, students would eventually receive a diploma but wouldn’t be able to participate in a graduation ceremony.

High school graduation requirements include 44 semester credits, a 2.0 or higher grade point average, science and math course requirements, completing a senior portfolio and passing the exit exam.