In an Unsettled World, the Ventura County Class of 2020 is Ready to Lead

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foe2020logo150bIt’s safe to say there has never been a senior year quite like this one. In March, the coronavirus crisis abruptly forced students from their schools and into a strange new world of distance learning. Then at the end of May, the death of George Floyd and resulting protests threw important and difficult issues of racism and equity into the spotlight in a way most students have never experienced. 

mantooth-smThis is the time of year when graduating seniors are usually celebrating with friends, attending proms and receiving their hard-earned diplomas in front of crowds of beaming family and friends. Instead, they are participating in car caravans, watching virtual graduations and contemplating an unsettled world where our economy, our social fabric, even our basic health and safety seem far from secure.

Against this backdrop, I am proud to introduce you to some remarkable Ventura County graduates who aren’t letting the difficulties of our current moment extinguish their spirit or stop them from pursuing their dreams. Among them are students who have personally felt the sting of social inequity and found the inner strength to rise above. 

The Class of 2020 has proven it is ready to meet the challenges we face as a community and as a nation. We hope their stories will reassure you that, whatever uncertainty lies ahead, this new generation of graduates is prepared to lead us into a bright future.

Stan Mantooth
Ventura County Superintendent of Schools


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    She Escaped a World of Gang Violence to Build a Better Life

     

  • Nico Young - Newbury Park High School

    Track Champion is Running His Way into the Record Books

     
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  • Jesus Martinez - Hueneme High School

    First Generation College Student is Building His American Dream

     
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  • Jonah and Kelsie Hoj - Nordhoff High School

    Twin Brother and Sister Heading to a Top University Together

     
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  • Diego Mosqueda - Gateway Community School

    Unexpected Detour to Alternative School Puts Him on the Right Path

     
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  • Jamie Gregory - Santa Susana High School

    After a Loved One's Death, She's Using Her Talents for Good

     
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  • From the Superintendents

    Messages to the Class of 2020 from Ventura County Superintendents 

     
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