Few things can match the anticipation of a commencement ceremony, where students in matching gowns parade across the stage to receive their hard-earned diplomas.
But at Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School in Oakland, graduation may be the second most exciting day of the year.
“As a first-generation college student, this means a lot to me,” senior Marisol Garibaldi said.
Ever since she was a little girl, Garibaldi dreamed of going to college. But two weeks before she graduated, she got to reveal to the world where she was going during her school’s so-called College Reveal Day.
“I’m glad I can brag a little about where I’m going,” she said.
These ceremonies, also called Day of Declaration, have become increasingly popular in recent years. But what makes Cristo Rey’s different from all the others is that for the third year in a row, every senior has been accepted to a four-year college.
And if that’s not impressive enough, they all come from low-income families, where few parents had any chance of higher education.
Paola Duenas, the guidance counselor, said the reason the school is so successful is that each student has a team of academics who work with them one-on-one and are available to them six years after graduation.
“Every student deserves an opportunity and they are all tied to the university,” she said.
The school has a unique approach that provides students with both classroom and hands-on experience through a work program that also offsets tuition.
“We have great business partners who work with us and provide our students with a great experience as they guide them through four years of doing work,” said Principal Jessica Murray.
As for Garibaldi, she’s not just going to any college, she’s going to UC Berkeley.
“It’s a huge moment for me personally,” she said. “I see everything I’ve worked so hard on coming to light in one day.”
