Thirty-seven students from across the Mt. Diablo Unified School District received their diplomas on Thursday, July 23, at a summer graduation ceremony at Concord High School.

Northgate High School Principal Kelly Cooper was among the administrators who recognized the graduates, tying the event to Walnut Creek families in the district.

The graduates, representing eight MDUSD high schools and alternative programs, had each fallen short of credit requirements during the regular school year but completed them over the summer. They wore caps and gowns from their respective schools.

MDUSD Chief of Educational Services Samantha Allen praised the graduates for overcoming obstacles to meet their goals. Governing Board President Debra Mason quoted football coach Vince Lombardi before addressing the class, telling them she would "hire you all in a second" and that she was honored to accept the 2026 graduating class.

Three graduates spoke at the ceremony.

Andrew Jose Casarez transferred from Ygnacio Valley High School to Prospect Continuation High School after falling behind in credits. He told the audience the move was initially tough but paid off. "The teachers will never let you give up," Casarez said. "It was worth it in the end because here I am now, graduating, Class of 2026!"

Fatima Aiyami, a Ygnacio Valley graduate who moved to the United States from Afghanistan at the start of her junior year, credited her principal and vice principals with helping her reach graduation. Blanca Caal, a Glenbrook Academy graduate, addressed the audience in Spanish, with her mentor translating her remarks.

The district's Local Control Accountability Plan targets a 3% increase in on-pace graduation rates by June 2027, according to district records. The summer ceremony is separate from MDUSD's main 2026 graduation season, which included ceremonies at Northgate, Concord, Mt. Diablo, Ygnacio Valley, and other schools.

MDUSD's 2026-27 school year begins Thursday, August 6. The Governing Board's next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, when the superintendent's summer personnel decisions are expected to be ratified.