Duarte Unified School District officials formally presented and certified Duarte High School’s graduating Class of 2025 at a commencement ceremony held May 30, 2025, at Falcon Field.

“My name is Doctor James Finley and I am president of the Duarte Unified School District Board of Education,” said Dr. James Finley, opening the ceremony and welcoming attendees on behalf of the board, faculty and staff.

The principal of Duarte High School, Louie Harrow, certified the class onstage. “As the principal of Duarte High School, it is with great honor that I certify the graduating class of 2025 has completed the required course of study for graduation as adopted by the Duarte Unified School District Board of Education,” Harrow said.

Dr. Nadia Hillman, superintendent of the Duarte Unified School District, then accepted the class on behalf of the district. The ceremony included student speakers, the presentation of diplomas, and applause as individual graduates were called by name.

Student leaders and speakers highlighted gratitude and encouragement. Priscilla Navarrete, the ASB president, urged classmates to “learn to let go of fear” as they move into post‑graduation life. Valedictorian Brandon Edwards reflected on community and priorities, saying that “not once did the final grade matter more than the moment.” Salutatorian Joshua Varela and other student speakers also shared reflections on perseverance, community and next steps.

Principal Harrow used the occasion to recognize a longtime faculty member who is retiring after 27 years of service; he asked the audience to join him in honoring Jim Lynch for his years of teaching and service to the school community.

The ceremony included formal presentation of the valedictorians and salutatorian: valedictorians Aaron Cervantes and Brandon Edwards, and salutatorian Joshua Varela. After the formal presentation, graduates turned their tassels as a class, marking the completion of the school’s prescribed course of study.

Details provided at the ceremony included the formal certification by the principal and the superintendent’s acceptance; no vote or separate board action was recorded during the event. The number of students in the graduating class was not specified during the remarks.