SPS Forward

This Special Edition of SPS Forward is dedicated to the estimated 600 graduates who proudly crossed the stage this month to receive their diplomas in front of their friends, families, educators, and supporters.

Each graduate represents a unique story of perseverance, growth, and discovery. From classrooms and clubs to athletic fields and artistic stages, they have left their mark on our school community in countless meaningful ways.

Congratulations to all our graduates! The SPS community stands proudly behind you, as you continue to grow, lead, and inspire.

Brattain besties Natalie Foster, Bella Esparza, Ashlyn Harris, and Abby Wagoner celebrate graduation the way they went through high school - together. The Brattain Campus graduation ceremony celebrates graduates of Gateways High School, GED Program, SPS Online and Brattain Online.

A3 Graduate Cole Condit with their parents and family friends. Cole will be attending the University of Oregon and plans to study neurology. Their hope is to one day become a pediatric neurosurgeon. Cole's inspiration? They survived a severe head injury at the age of four and feels they were rescued thanks to the efforts of talented surgeons at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Feeling there are too few pediatric neurosurgeons in Oregon, Cole wants to become one and help children in need. Congratulations future doctor! We wish you the best of luck on your path.

Native Graduates celebrated their accomplishments and heritage on June 1 at the Chifin Native Youth Center. Graduates from left to right: Ziaire Zavalla (Apache), Taleighya Brinkley (Siletz), Emilia Dano (Métis Shuswap Chinuk Nippising), Taevian Bernal-Teeman (Hoopa Valley), and Kai Smith (Chickasaw). Congratulations to all our Native American graduates!

A total of 11 students graduated of the SPS Community Transition Program (CTP) this year. Family, friends, and district staff gathered to celebrate the milestone at Brattain House. After graduating from CTP, a few students will be starting work in landscaping and food services. Pictured above, CTP Grad Gabe Nigariki reacts after getting a kiss from his father, Fuji Nigariki, while mom took a picture. Congratulations to All CTP Grads!

Friends Joecie Dassen and Victoria Acosta have been friends since third grade. Both attended Yolanda Elementary and Briggs Middle School. Joecie and Victoria have lived in the same neighborhood since they were little. They decided to walk and share the graduation ceremony together. Congratulations! No matter the road you follow, may you always carry the spirit of friendship with you!

Robotics student Elijah Edmundson escorted this robot in memoriam of fellow robotics student Gavin Torrence, who programmed the robot before passing away due to a pre-existing medical condition.

SHS and THS graduates visited all 12 elementary schools in our district during the traditional GradWalks. This year both high schools began their day of celebration at Yolanda Elementary. Cheers and applause welcomed all graduates at every school. Each graduate had the opportunity to engage with future SPS graduates and previous teachers.

✨🎓 Many of our graduates let their personalities shine through their graduation cap decorations. It's a fun and meaningful way to celebrate not only their achievements, but also their unique style. These are just a few seen at THS's graduation!