Duarte Unified’s Mount Olive MIT celebrates Class of 2025; superintendent certifies graduates

Duarte, Calif. — Mount Olive Innovation and Technology High School celebrated its Class of 2025 at a commencement ceremony in Duarte, where Superintendent Dr. Nadia Hillman formally certified that each graduate met the requirements for graduation under state law and Duarte Unified School District policy.

"In accordance with the laws of the state of California and the policies, rules, and regulations of the Duarte Unified School District, I certify that each member of the graduating class has met all the requirements for graduation," Dr. Hillman said at the podium.

The certification matters because it is the district's formal declaration that each student completed the coursework and other requirements set by state law and district policy, allowing diplomas to be conferred.

Kevin Morris, director of college, career and community services for Duarte Unified, opened remarks and thanked staff and volunteers. "None of these moments would be possible, without the people that make our school run smooth as can be," Morris said, and noted scholarship support announced at a recent scholarship breakfast: "MIT grads received over $9,000 in scholarship monies" to assist graduates with postsecondary goals.

Jonathan Johnson, a Mount Olive graduate and member of the Citrus College Board of Trustees, delivered the commencement address and urged students to remain true to themselves. "Be who you're supposed to be," Johnson said, telling the graduates to use their experiences and backgrounds to bring people together and seek justice.

Student speakers reflected on personal challenges and resilience. Evelyn Jones thanked teachers who helped her continue her education and said she now attends Los Angeles City College. Jessica Torres spoke about balancing motherhood and school, noting that she completed her diploma after losing a job earlier in the year. Class president Oswaldo Villa described how Mount Olive prepared students for college and careers and thanked staff who supported him.

Administrators highlighted that Mount Olive holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which the program earned last year. The ceremony also recognized adult learners: Morris described the school’s adult-diploma pathway offered in partnership with Citrus College’s adult education consortium and invited adult graduates to stand for recognition.

Donors and community organizations that contributed scholarships included the Joseph Smith Memorial, Duarte Rotary Club, Duarte Women’s Club, Duarte Kiwanis, DUEA, CSEA, Elizabeth Gallegos, Citrus College, Brian Vosberg, Oscar Pareda and Rancho Duarte Flores, according to the district announcement.

The program included the national anthem sung by teacher Cynthia Garcia, the pledge of allegiance led by Matthew Frank, student reflections, musical performances and the reading of graduate names by Anna Urias and school staff. After the superintendent’s certification, students participated in the traditional turning of tassels to mark their graduation.

School leaders closed by encouraging graduates to pursue college, career, trade school or the military and by thanking families, staff and district administrators for their support.