Ventura County Class of 2023 Finds Success Despite Pandemic Challenges

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DrCésarMorales-cr-smThe students graduating from Ventura County high schools in 2023 had anything but a typical experience. They were in the second half of their freshman year when the pandemic forced classrooms to close. They had to adapt to distance learning and all of the challenges that went along with it. Many faced the ordeal of seeing loved ones pass away or fall ill from COVID-19. And when in-person instruction resumed, social distancing and masking became a part of their daily routines. 

C23aDespite it all, there is no shortage of students in the class of 2023 who have achieved incredible things during their high school years. Several have overcome obstacles that go well beyond the pandemic to reach this important milestone. In our annual graduation edition of Focus on Education, we are proud to share some of their inspiring stories with you.

Dr. César Morales
Ventura County Superintendent of Schools


  • Sinthia Cardenas  - Ventura High School

    Speech Impediment Can’t Keep Her Out of the Spotlight


  • Brinda Garikapati - Santa Susana High School

    16-Year-Old Grad is Headed to UC Irvine to Study Medicine


  • Osvaldo Jimenez - Nordhoff High School

    He’s the First in His Family to Head to College


  • Dillon May - Moorpark High School

    Graduating from High School in the Age of COVID-19