The Pasadena Unified School District
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
THE PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Congratulatesthe Class of 2020 Class of 2020, You’re a class of overcomers, having braved challenges we couldn’t have imagined just a few months ago. We believe great opportunities lie on the other side of those challenges, and you hold enormous potential to bring renewed purpose and solutions into our world. This is your time. We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next. Your teachers, staff, and friends at Pasadena Unified School District Visit us at: www.pusd.us CLASS OF 2020: A Letter to Emerging Leaders One day you’re high-fiving a classmate in the hallway, huddling over a team project or Different schools, riding with friends to a school event. You’ve shared ideals Dr. Brian McDonald worked hard and have big plans for your The Pasadena Unified senior year, with several “lasts” lined up: your School District comprises as you rise to positions of influence, however last prom, last game, last competition, last six schools: Center for Independent Studies, that looks like. senior hurrah, and so it goes. Then, overnight, Blair, John Muir, Marshall, Pasadena and your senior experience comes to a halt. Rose City High Schools. Each school brings This year’s celebration will look different from anything we could have expected, but it’s no Three months ago, we’d dismiss current a unique approach, tradition, culture and less heartfelt and meaningful. Your teachers, events as a far-fetched, overblown plot for a quirks. friends and loved ones are rooting for you. dystopian movie. Alas, it’s our current reality. The common ground that unites our We also celebrate our massive support We’re only beginning to understand the graduates is a shared sense of global network: PUSD teachers, administrators, impact of the pandemic and unrest that citizenship and commitment to lifelong staff, families and caregivers who’ve worked have disrupted our lives and key milestones learning, intercultural understanding, and hard to ensure our graduates are supported of your high school experience. But we living out the good ol’ golden rule: treating at home. It truly takes a village. know this much: This is a class like no other, others as we want to be treated. with enormous potential to bring renewed When we look at the class of 2020, we’re purpose and solutions into our world. Your next steps encouraged to see a class of compassionate, You’ve made it. It’s been a season fraught From grief to greatness out-of-the-box thinkers, always chasing with challenges, but we believe great unconventional solutions to emerging opportunities lie on the other side of those No other class has withstood the same pres- problems. As it happens, compassionate, challenges. sures, nor emerged with such resolve and ap- out-of-the-box thinkers are exactly what preciation for collaboration, cultural diversity our communities need to thrive in the days, Our hope for you is that you’ll make the most and lifelong learning. In recent months and weeks and years ahead. This world needs you. of your talents and resources to create your years, we’ve watched you overcome so much own opportunities. There’s no better time to and evolve as compassionate, skilled individu- Little things, big things lead, and we can’t help but feel hopeful of the als committed to building a life of purpose for It’s worth noting the past several weeks have skills and virtues you’re carrying forward into yourself and others. rearranged our priorities and brought much your next steps. Your time is now. You’re a class of overcomers who understand into focus. For one, we have a newfound Well done, 2020 graduates. We can’t wait to what many adults don’t: All lasting, significant appreciation for the little, mundane things we see how you’ll change the world. success hinges on relationships and the took for granted, like the freedom to go to pursuit of the common good — especially in a the movies, share a pizza with friends, visit a world that’s changing fast and furiously. We grandparent, or even share a kiss without a see in you global thinkers committed mask. to cultivating a fair society where everyone We’ve learned the little things are, in fact, the Brian McDonald, Ed.D. has a voice, where diversity is celebrated, and big things. It’s been a painful lesson, but we where opportunities are within reach for all. SUPERINTENDENT OF THE trust this perspective shift will serve you well PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Greetings from your Dear Class of 2020: It has been many years since I participated in my own high school graduation, but I have not forgotten what it meant to me and Leaders & Elected Officials! my classmates. I have heard and read a small sample of your disappointment through your own stories of celebrations canceled or postponed. I have heard your worries about the upcoming fall, and what present and future circumstances will mean for your college Dear Class of 2020, aspirations or job prospects. As someone who has experienced several graduations in my own I have faith in your capabilities, courage, and perseverance. There have academic experience and as a parent and grandparent, I understand been many opportunities for you all to shine in these last four years, what year-end celebrations and ceremonies mean. and you have made your district and community proud. Your generation So, I know how this pandemic has upended all those moments has shown it will be one to be reckoned with and will lead our city and left you all disappointed. and country forward into this century. Your community will be here to There is very little I can do or say to reduce that disappointment. support you. However, I would like to express my personal congratulations and convey the congratulations of the people of Pasadena to I speak for the entire Board of Education when I say that the most you all – students and parents – for what you have achieved. enjoyable of our duties is participating in high school graduation and honors ceremonies. Although this year’s ceremonies will be different, You have persevered in the face of very challenging circumstances it is an honor to celebrate your graduation with you as you receive your and for now, you will continue to be challenged. Nevertheless, while diplomas and plan for the future. We still want to hear your plans and there is much that has been lost, there is even more to be gained as dreams, and hope we will see you in person soon. we emerge from this shared experience. It is up to you not to let this sad circumstance defeat you. All of Good fortune to you, Class of 2020. us must face adversity during our lives and how we deal with it Sincerely, will frequently determine how successful we are. So, please know that we value your achievements to date Patrick Cahalan and we are pulling for your success in the future. PRESIDENT Sincerely, Terry Tornek Hey Class of 2020! MAYOR Seniors throughout Pasadena have proven they are resilient, talented, and hardworking. You’ve spent so much time studying and striving, and I hope now you get the chance to enjoy the fruits of your labor. After enduring this school year, you deserve to celebrate all you’ve accomplished. With everything we’re facing, our graduates are this community’s greatest Dear Class of 2020, hope for the future. You’ve reminded us to be strong, give back, and stay connected. I know there are countless inspiring stories of students As the Representative of Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley in showing up as a force for change on campus and in their neighborhoods. Congress, it is my privilege to say congratulations to the entire PUSD Your creativity and compassion give me profound hope. Each of you has High School class of 2020! used your time and talents to make a meaningful difference that will set I know it is difficult that we cannot celebrate in person, but I hope you up for success in the future and will make an impact on Pasadena for you are all proud of yourselves because I know your parents and years to come. teachers are proud of you, and so am I. You are leaving behind an incredible legacy. This community is grateful for all you’ve done and eager for all that’s still in store for you. Your Graduation is a real accomplishment, and one you spent years graduation marks the beginning of boundless opportunities. There are so achieving. What comes next now is up to you. But armed with the many parents, teachers, and community leaders who care about you and knowledge you’ve gained, the options are endless. are here to support you. Know that as you walk into I cannot wait to see what you do next. this next chapter, we’re cheering for you every Congratulations! step of the way. Sincerely, Best, Judy Chu, Ph.D. Supervisor Kathryn Barger MEMBER OF CONGRESS, CHAIR, LOS ANGELES COUNTY 27TH DISTRICT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Pasadena Unified School District is Proud to Recognize the 2020 Graduating Class of Blair High School Anna Griffin | VALEDICTORIAN Ai Takada | VALEDICTORIAN Nicholas Rajha | SALUTATORIAN AN INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE SCHOOL Blair High School Class of 2020 College Acceptances & Post-Secondary Plans Arizona State University California State California State Northern Arizona University of California, Biola University University, East Bay University, San Diego University Merced California Lutheran California State California State Oklahoma State University of California, University University, Fullerton University, San Francisco University Riverside California State California State California State Pasadena City College University of California, Polytechnic University,