Seniors From 6 Local High Schools to Graduate Friday In 2 Separate Ceremonies at the Rose Bowl

Following a year dominated by social distancing and online interactions, roughly 1,100 Pasadena Unified School District seniors will be taking part in two in-person graduation ceremonies Friday at the Rose Bowl.

A ceremony for students of Center for Independent Studies, John Muir Early College Magnet High School, John Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, and Rose City High School is scheduled to take place beginning at 8 a.m. at the iconic stadium, with gates opening at 7 a.m., according to the district.

Pasadena High School and Blair High School seniors will receive their sheepskins during a ceremony beginning at 1 p.m., with gates scheduled to open at noon, officials said.

The graduation ceremonies this year are in-person to celebrate students after a year of distance learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year’s graduation ceremonies were held virtually. Public safety protocols will be strictly enforced at both events.

PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald congratulated the Class of 2021 on their accomplishment during a highly unusual school year.

“This is a truly outstanding class, with students who have watched the world change. Especially in the past year that was filled with ambiguity and uncertainty, we’ve watched you grow into compassionate and skilled problem-solvers who will lead us into better days,” McDonald said. “We’re proud of all you have achieved, and who you are becoming. We wish you the very best.”

PUSD Board of Education President Scott Phelps agreed.

“The last year was tough and filled with challenges. Through it all, our students inspired and amazed us,” Phelps said. “Together with teachers and school administrators and all district staff who pivoted within days to continue teaching and learning, you showed us what it means to be resilient, adaptive, collaborative, and innovative.

PUSD Board Member Jennifer Hall Lee said in an email she was pleased the students would be able to enjoy an in-person ceremony at the iconic Rose Bowl.

“PUSD is a forward-thinking district,” she said. “I am thrilled to be on the stage watching our seniors receive their much-deserved diplomas.”

Fellow Board Member Elizabeth Pomeroy said she, too, was looking forward to “a joyful and one-of-a-kind day for PUSD.”

“All of our high schools will have their graduation ceremonies in one day, in the Rose Bowl!” she wrote in an email. “Congratulations to all these seniors and their families for success in such a challenging year.”

PUSD’s 2021 valedictorians are Genevieve Harvey from Blair High School, who will be attending Vanderbilt University; Mason Usher from John Muir High School, who will be attending Brown University; Alexandria Velasco from Marshall High School, who will be attending UCLA; Florence Winslow from Rose City High School, who will be attending Pasadena City College; Jada Paul from CIS Academy, who will be attending University of San Francisco; and Ritaj Abdulquani from Pasadena High School, who will be attending Northwestern University.

For more information, call the PUSD hotline at (626) 396-3680.