Poway High School’s Class of 2026 celebrated their graduation and journey into life beyond secondary school on June 4.
The annual commencement ceremony was held in the campus’ stadium. Senior speakers addressed the graduates, their families and guests.
Among those recognized for academic achievement were Valedictorian Arya Bosworth and Salutatorian Emma Bush. Students who earned a 3.75 GPA or higher were also asked to stand and be recognized by their peers.
Julie Gallant
Gabriella Vargas, left, celebrates graduation night with Maelynn Berg. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
The Meermans family members celebrating graduation are, from left, Evelyn, Anneke, Eric and Luther. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Poway High graduate Gabriela Valentin Miranda plans to attend Miramar College in the fall. (Julie Gallant)
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Gabriella Vargas, left, celebrates graduation night with Maelynn Berg. (Julie Gallant)
Poway High Principal Jonathan Penuliar said graduation night was the culmination of years of growth and shared experiences. He said this class of students showed “resilience and heart” whether in the classroom or by participating in extracurricular activities such as sports and performing arts.
Penuliar also said he saw students demonstrate countless acts of kindness as they navigated the challenges of academic pressure.
“Through it all you showed up, you adapted and persevered,” he told the graduating students.
The Class of 2026 prom was held at the Eve venue at the waterfront in downtown San Diego on May 15.
Senior Awards Night was held June 1 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, and a Grad Night party was held on June 4 at Belmont Park. A Senior Send-Off party was held June 3 with breakfast served at the Poway High gym.
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Noah Magdaleno-Rocha, left, and his brother, Nathan Magdaleno-Rocha, celebrated the graduation of their cousin, Joseph-Fernandez Rocha. (Julie Gallant)
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Naomi Henderson prepared to celebrate her graduation with plans to study biology at Miramar College. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Luke Romeo celebrated his graduation with plans to study biology at the University of Utah. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Poway High School Class of 2026 graduating seniors prepared to accept their diplomas at the June 4 graduation ceremony. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Poway High School’s Class of 2026 graduates turned the tassels on their caps before tossing them into the air. (Julie Gallant)
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Noah Magdaleno-Rocha, left, and his brother, Nathan Magdaleno-Rocha, celebrated the graduation of their cousin, Joseph-Fernandez Rocha. (Julie Gallant)