Graduates from Chaparral High School, Snowline Academy and Eagle Summit Community Day School received diplomas at a Snowline Joint Unified School District commencement recognizing the Class of 2025.

The ceremony highlighted the district’s nontraditional programs and recognized students who completed alternative pathways to graduation. School and district leaders, board representatives and student speakers emphasized resilience, self-discipline and community support as central to the graduates’ journeys.

Corey LaFever, a school board trustee and longtime Phelan resident, told graduates that the class’ achievement shows “success doesn't follow a single path.” Bill Flynn, the district’s assistant superintendent of business, addressed students on the skills they have developed beyond academics, saying, “You carry hope. So raise your expectations. Raise the bar for your life.” Flynn identified himself as the district’s chief business officer during his remarks.

Student speakers shared personal reflections. Roberto Marcio described overcoming apathy and urged peers to “fight for what you're passionate about.” Angelina Gonzalez, who said she was the first in her family to graduate college and high school pathways, called education “a privilege” and thanked parents, teachers and counselors for their support. Joaquin Rocha reflected on memories and the shared experiences of high school, telling classmates, “No matter where life takes you or who you're with or what you do, you always have these memories.”

A representative of the school board certified that the students had “completed the required courses of study as prescribed by the state of California” and declared them graduated. The transcript records the board’s ceremonial certification; no roll-call vote or formal motion was recorded in the available transcript.

The program included introductions of district leaders — identified in the transcript as Ruth Martinez, Marcus Hernandez, Christina Behringer, Corey LaFever and Nathan Bristol from the board; Dr. Hohman (listed in the transcript as superintendent) and Ryan Holman (named later in a student speech as superintendent); Alan Miller, assistant superintendent of student learning and support services; Sean Primo, assistant superintendent of human resources; Kenneth Wagner, director of human resources; and Bill Flynn, assistant superintendent of business. Principal Chad Brooks and staff from the three nontraditional schools were also acknowledged onstage.

The ceremony emphasized nontraditional education’s role in teaching time management, independence and problem-solving as complements to academic credits. Organizers and speakers repeatedly framed the diplomas as recognition of both coursework and personal growth.

The district and participants encouraged graduates to celebrate and to apply the skills they developed to further education, work and community life.