Hesperia’s largest graduating class in years marks milestone ceremony as two longtime district leaders retire – Hesperia’s largest graduating class in years marks milestone ceremony as two longtime district leaders retire
Hesperia, California (High Desert News Online) – In what is the largest recent class in recent years for the Hesperia Unified School District, nearly 500 students walked the stage at Glen Helen Park on May 27th for the 2025 Sultana High School graduation. The scenic outdoor venue was packed with thousands of family members and friends who were on hand to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates, who overcame unparalleled obstacles during their high school careers.
It was a milestone graduation for Hesperia Unified School District, as Superintendent Dave Olney and Deputy Superintendent Dr. George Landon took part in their last commencement as administrators of Sultana High School before heading into retirement. Throughout the evening, the district honored both longtime educators, each of whom has spent decades in the district and is known for their principal commitment to student success.
Record-Breaking Class Size Reflects District Growth
The massive number of nearly 500 graduates in the 2025 class is the biggest the Sultana High School has had in years which is indicative of the district’s population surge and the school’s dedication to keeping and graduating students. This impressive achievement is indicative of the role academic support programs and community engagement efforts have played toward preparing students to succeed in school.
Board President Eric Swanson, Board Vice-President Mark Dundon, Board Clerk Maria Gomez, and Board members Christian Steen and Manny Lin, and they handed students their diplomas. The manner of the ceremony permitted individual acknowledgement of student accomplishments without sacrifice of the dignity and festivity befitting such a significant event.
Academic Excellence Takes Center Stage
The class of 2025 accomplished some stellar academic feats in the fall and spring of their senior campaign. With 22 Valedictorians receiving the top academic honors in the district. These approvals honor students who have exemplified high scholastic achievement, community service and leadership.
The graduating class achieved an all-time high in participation in Advanced Placement, receiving college credits in areas such as mathematics, science, literature, and social studies. The school also had partnerships with the local community college that allowed many students to take dual enrollment courses, and, in effect, cut time from their post secondary learning.
A number of the graduates were National Merit Scholars and/or were members of the California Scholarship Federation and received awards for academic achievement in the STEM, humanities or a CTE (Career/Technical Education) program.
Athletic Achievements Highlight School Spirit
The 2024-25 school year was a banner year for Sultana High School’s athletic teams as most of them went on to regionals and state. The football program’s playoff journey mobilized the support of the community and the soccer, basketball, and track and field teams produced league champions and standouts.
And the girls sports showed up, as the volleyball team advanced to regional semis and a few track athletes headed to state.
The wrestling, cross country, and tennis programs also added to the school’s success in sports and many of the student-athletes received scholarships in athletes to college based on their success in the classroom and on the playing fields.
Music and Arts Programs Shine
During the Senior Year the band from Sultana High School was well acclaimed, competition at the local level, community events, marching competitions this program saw a lot of accomplishments. The band received superior ratings at several festivals and the concert band performed at some of the most prestigious venues in Southern California, both under a great deal of experience leadership.
All of the graduates held their own in local honor bands and orchestras, while several students have their sights set on music education at the college level. This success was due in large part to the school’s investment in top notch instruments and professional instruction.
Visual arts pupils also made their mark in exhibitions, competitions and community art projects. A number of graduated students went on to win awards in district art fairs and to receive scholarships to major art schools and universities.
Emerging Esports Excellence
In a sign of the times, the esports initiative at Sultana High School began in earnest in the 2024-2025 school year. Student gamers competed within structured and regulated leagues and developed teamwork, collaborative skills and team dynamics as well as communication skills, strategy, critical thinking, and technical game play skills that lead toward life skills and potential careers.
And the program’s ascendance is a sign the school is trying to fit students’ wide-ranging interests while keeping academics challenging. Some seniors who are graduating will take jobs in game design, computer programming, and digital arts, some of the fastest-growing fields in the region.
Community Service and Leadership
In addition to their academic and extracurricular accomplishments, the Class of 2025 showed a remarkable dedication to serving the community. The students were involved in food drives, environmental cleanup efforts and volunteering at local nonprofit organizations throughout their senior year.
The service organizations at the school include the National Honor Society, the Key Club and other clubs that collectively logged hundreds of volunteer hours to serve elderly residents, to tutor elementary school children and to beautify the community. They were experiences that prepared graduates for civic participation and leadership in their eventual communities.
Career Technical Education Prepares Students for Workforce
Sultana High School graduates were equipped with life skills and industry credentials through its career technical education classes. The students successfully finished their programs in auto technology, health care, business administration and information technology, and with many earning professional certificates before graduation.
These programs, in collaboration with local employers and community colleges, provide graduates with a competitive edge in the workforce or enable them to segue into post-secondary career training. The success of these efforts is indicative of the district’s focus on preparing students for multiple career options.
Glen Helen Park: Perfect Setting for Celebration
Selecting Glen Helen Park as the location was a memorable addition to this special day. The beauty of the outdoor amphitheater that was enhanced by the dramatic backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains set the stage for the graduates and their families.
The number of guests that packed the facility numbered in the thousands, so family members did not miss the opportunity to witness their students accomplishing their chosen fields of study firsthand. Quality sound and lighting equipment ensured guests could see and hear clearly despite the long ceremony.
Looking Forward: Post-Graduation Plans
Survey results show about 70% of Sultana High School’s graduating class of 2025 are expected to enroll in four-year colleges or community colleges this fall. Common visiting spots are CSU campuses, the University of California institutions, and regional-transferring community colleges.
Some students have joined the military, gone to work for a local business, or have indicated they will attend trade schools or specialized training programs, the district said. This variety of post-graduation options is indicative of the well-rounded education and counseling received throughout high school.
Administrative Leadership Transition
With the retirement of Superintendent Dave Olney and Deputy Superintendent Dr. George Landon, a chapter in the history of the Hesperia Unified School District has closed. They’ve had well over a half century of involvement passing educational policies, facility improvements, academic programs that have assisted innumerable students, including those who supposedly belong to the Class of ’25.
The two administrators took pride in the accomplishments of the graduating class as well as in assurance that the district would assuredly go on to even more good things. Their legacy will be a broader scope of education, facilities, and community connections that will support Hesperia students for years to come.
The graduation ceremony was capped off with the customary tossing of the caps, which sailed in the cool dark desert evening of nearly 500 graduates in the company of proud families and the dedicated teachers who helped get them to their achievement.
