Dozens of students from Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) juvenile court and county community schools were recognized for earning their high school diplomas or GEDs during the annual Operation Graduation 2026 ceremony held on June 18 at the Downey Theatre. The celebration serves as a powerful reminder that when students receive support, encouragement and opportunities they will flourish.

"Today's graduates have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, perseverance and courage," said Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo. "Many have overcome significant obstacles on their educational journeys, yet they remained focused on their goals and refused to give up. Their success reminds us that every student deserves opportunity, support and people who believe in their potential. Today, we celebrate their achievements and look forward to all they will accomplish in the future."

This year's ceremony embraced the theme "Tomorrow Starts Today," highlighting the opportunities that lie ahead for graduates as they pursue higher education, career training, military service and employment.  Family members, educators, community partners, probation officials and local leaders gathered to celebrate the graduates' accomplishments and recognize the determination that brought them to this milestone.

One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony came from student speaker Andrea Reyes, whose heartfelt remarks moved some audience members to tears.

Reyes shared how poor choices she made in middle school altered the course of her life. During her junior year of high school, she became pregnant and, in the same year, lost her father.

"There were days I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and ready to give up," she told the audience. "But somehow, I kept going."

After transferring schools and beginning virtual classes at Mujeres y Hombres Nobles, Reyes said she found a support system that helped her believe in herself and her future.

"To all of my teachers and mentors, thank you for not giving up on me," she said. "You helped me improve my grades, pushed me to stay focused, and supported me in ways I will never forget. For the first time in a long time, I felt like people saw my potential."

Reflecting on her journey, Reyes shared a message that resonated throughout the theatre.

"Our past does not define us. Our mistakes do not define us. What defines us is the strength to get back up and keep moving forward," she said. "Everyone here has a story. Some journeys were easier than others, but we all fought to be here today."

She concluded by encouraging her fellow graduates to believe in themselves and their future.

"To the Class of 2026, never let anyone tell you it's too late to change your life, to chase your dreams, or to become the person you want to be. No matter where you come from or what you've been through, you are capable of more than you think."

Scholarship recipients were recognized through LACOE's African American Heritage Committee and Asian Pacific Heritage Group, each honoring three student recipients.  The Association of L.A. County Office of School Administrators (ALACOSA) presented three students with the Every Student Succeeds Scholarship Award. The Los Angeles County Probation Department also awarded two $1,000 scholarships: the Paul Higa Memorial Scholarship and the Education Services Scholarship. 

The audience was also treated to a musical performance by Mariachi Halcón, directed by Mr. Juan Cuevas, whose performance added a festive and celebratory atmosphere to the event.

Graduates later heard from keynote speaker Donzaleigh Abernathy, an acclaimed actress, author, speaker and civil rights advocate. Drawing from her own experiences and lifelong commitment to education and social justice, Abernathy encouraged students to remain focused on their goals, seek support when needed and take intentional steps toward building the future they envision.

As graduates crossed the stage and celebrated with loved ones, they marked not only the completion of an educational journey, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope, opportunity and possibility.