Celebrating the Class of 2026

For ACCESS and Connections students, the road to graduation is often anything but traditional.

Many have faced unique obstacles or overcome circumstances beyond their control. Yet through perseverance, they continued toward the same goal: earning a diploma.

Their stories are as inspiring as they are unique. Some involve excelling in athletics while navigating life as a student who is deaf and hard of hearing. Others revolve around juggling the responsibilities of parenthood while returning to the classroom to pursue a diploma. Each journey is different, but all reflect the dedication required to reach graduation day.

These are some of the faces that, over the past few weeks, have turned their tassels and tossed their caps into the air at ACCESS and Connections graduation ceremonies across Orange County.

Congratulations, Class of 2026.

Connections Deaf and Hard of Hearing:

University High School

Thirteen students from the University High DHH program celebrated graduation alongside their hearing classmates during an integrated ceremony on June 4.

OCC Adult Transition Program

These five students are now equipped with the skills to enter the workforce or pursue their passions, wherever their paths take them.

Venado Middle School

Of the 12 promoted students, some will start their high school journeys at University High School, while the remainder will continue at Venado.

Sunburst Youth Academy

Class 37

On June 12, 184 cadets from Class 37 donned their uniforms for the final time at a commencement ceremony held at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos. Each student graduated from the Sunburst Youth Academy program, while 18 cadets also celebrated the milestone of earning their high school diplomas.

Connections

Forty-two students across 15 Connections sites completed their respective programs, ready to tackle whatever comes next.

College and Career Preparatory Academy

On June 16, at Orange Coast College, CCPA honored one of its largest classes ever, with 166 graduates.

Students Josselin L., Samantha A., Julian L. and Evelynn Q. also received special recognition, earning the Integrity Award, Perseverance Award, Outstanding Scholar nomination and Courage Scholarship, respectively.

ACCESS Area 11

ACCESS Area 11 celebrated the graduation of 46 students on Thursday, June 25, at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

Thirty-eight graduates participated in the ceremony, including three students who earned concurrent college credit and seven who were reclassified as fluent English proficient (RFEP).