It’s A Busy Week At Pasadena Unified, With Finals Underway And Graduation Just Ahead

Pasadena Unified School District students are wrapping up final exams this week and five high school graduation ceremonies will celebrate the Class of 2025 at Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

High school final exams began Tuesday on shortened schedules and continue through Thursday. The last day of school for all students is June 5.

Graduation ceremonies start Wednesday with the Center for Independent Studies and Rose City High School at 11 a.m., followed by Blair High School at 2 p.m. and Pasadena High School at 6 p.m. John Muir High School graduates on Thursday at 2 p.m., with Thurgood Marshall Secondary School concluding the ceremonies at 6 p.m.

All ceremonies will be held at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E Green St. Individual livestreams will be available for each school.

The celebrations cap a challenging year marked by the January Eaton Fire, which significantly impacted the District. About 1,383 Pasadena Unified School District staff members lived in evacuated areas, representing roughly half the workforce. Four schools sustained damage in the fire.

“Our students are showing us something extraordinary: the fire may have happened to them, but they are not defined by it,” Superintendent Elizabeth J. Blanco said in a year-end message. “They are defined by how they stand up, move forward, and continue to shine.”

The Class of 2025 includes students who accomplished notable achievements. Eight seniors are graduating with both high school diplomas and a total of 14 associate degrees from Pasadena City College.

At Thurgood Marshall, Katherine Karish was named valedictorian, while Corazon Adomou and Tova Rosenbaum earned salutatorian honors.

Community partners stepped up to support fire-affected students. Macy’s, Wells Fargo and Day One provided $250 gift cards for graduation attire plus college readiness workshops.

“Pasadena Unified congratulates the Class of 2025!” the District stated. “We are so proud of the tenacity you’ve shown to overcome challenges, engage in clubs, win big in sports, succeed in your academic studies, and rise to the top.”

Beginning with the Class of 2019, all Pasadena Unified School District graduates must complete 220 credits of coursework, 40 hours of community service or work-based learning, and a graduate portfolio and defense.

“Challenging doesn’t begin to define what this year has been for us,” Blanco said. “This year has been unforgettable.”