Members of Santa Cruz County’s high school class of 2024 are honored on Saturday at the 25th annual Black Graduation Ceremony at London Nelson Community Center in Santa Cruz. Sixteen students from high schools throughout the county were recognized by family, friends, teachers and administrators that gathered to wish them well. The ceremony included an opening procession of the students accompanied by drummer Mbor Faye, a welcoming address by County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabah, a keynote address by Santa Cruz United Way CEO Keisha Browder and a presentation of the graduates. The 16 students who participated Saturday were Jaeliana Slaughter, Brianna Raney, Thalia Blue, Jesus Vallejo Ocampo, Sienna Parker, Jamari Didier, Deborah Petros, Malia Fallone Easter, Naíma Easter, Malakai Ross-Graves, Justice Welch, Christela Henry, Demeke Smith, Danielle Henry, Alijah D. Williams and Isaiah Nielson. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education sponsored a reception following the ceremony. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)
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