001Heat up here. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Won't you take me where the street lights go? I can hear it coming. Heat. Heat. Time came creeping on every road. Heat. Yeah. Heat. We go. I can hear it coming. made of sound. Now my feet won't touch the ground. Here come flat top. He come up slowly. He got ju I he roller. He got hair down to his knees. Got to be a joker. He just do what he please. He wear no shoe shine. He got to jam football. He got walking finger. He shoot Coca-Cola. He said I know you. You know me. One thing I can tell you is you got to be free. Come together. right now. >> All right. He got walous. He got on side. He got >> spal cracker. He got
002feet down below his knee. Hold you in his object. You can feel his disease come together right now over me. Right. Come. He roller coaster. He got early morning. Shoot. Come together. Yeah. Come together. Yeah. Come together. Yeah. Come together. Yeah. Come together. Yeah. Come together. Yeah. Come together. Yeah. Come together. This is a big I had to give you up. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the 2026 KUM's Alternative Education Graduation Ceremony. At this time, please find your seats as the ceremony is about to begin. Please silence your cell phones until after the celebration. And now, will the class of 2026 please come forward? Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Thank Thank you. You may be seated. Good evening and welcome to the commencement ceremony for the Kums Alternative
003Education class of 2026. My name is Dr. Melissa Lee, the proud principal of New Horizon High School, Banning Independent Study School and Banning Adult School. What a privilege it is to be together. On this wonderful day, I want to welcome you, the parents, family and friends, community members, teachers and staff, and most importantly, the graduates. We also have some special guests with us today. I would like to welcome the distinguished members of our banning board of education. board president, Miss Shelley Ruiz, and our board clerk, Miss Laura Troutman. Our district leadership team, including Mr. Terrence Davis, superintendent of the Bannon Unified School District, Dr. Tonia Kazzy Bush, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Mr. Mr. Victor Herrera, assistant superintendent of business services and Mr. Kirk Scorpanic, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Now, please welcome to the
004podium Miss Olivia Roachcha, who will deliver the land acknowledgement. It's right there. >> Yeah. Olivia Moina. Hi, I'm Olivia and I'm from Morango. Um, we acknowledge that this land is the ancestral land of the Morango Band of Mission Indians. The native people called this land mi and maringa in the Kawia and Sorrano languages respectively long before it was called banning in which we know it today. Banning is only a fragment of the vast lands of both the Kawia and Sorrano people which stretch from Barstow to Thermal. By offering this land acknowledgement, we affirm indigenous sovereignty and we will work to disseminate knowledge about native peoples. As part of our commitment, we are partnering with the Morango Band of Mission Indians in teaching their history and languages. Thank you. Please welcome the Banning High School Cadet
005Corps for the presentation of colors. That looks good. Thank you. Will everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance. Place your right hand over your heart. Ready, begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Cadet Corps. You may be seated. Good evening, everyone and welcome. Today we come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2026. For some of you, there were moments when graduation may have felt out of reach. There were obstacles, setbacks, and challenges along the way. But today, you are here. You kept going. You believed in yourself, and you made it. This milestone was earned through dedication, resilience, and hard work. And while each
006graduate had to complete this journey for themselves, none of us gets here alone. To the families, friends, teachers, staff, and supporters, thank you for encouraging, guiding, and believing in our students every step of the way. Graduates, tonight is a reminder of what you are capable of overcoming. Be proud of yourselves and of everything you have accomplished. Carry that confidence with you into whatever comes next. And remember to never give up on your goals or your future. On behalf of all of us, congratulations to the class of 2026. And now I would like to introduce our Banning Unified Superintendent, Mr. Terrence Davis. Greetings, class of 2026. Are you here with us? >> I don't know. I don't know. Class of 26, you with us? >> All right. A quote from Alexander Dumis. One's work may be
007finished someday, but one's education never. Unless you make every waking moment a learning process, you are wasting a major portion of your life. You can learn from people you do not like as well as from those that you do. You can learn from the elders and the youth. You can learn more about the things you know about and fine-tune the things you are good at. You can learn by observing, listening, and serving. You can learn by assisting, completing, and forgiving. Never withdraw from the educational process by picking and choosing from who you can learn from. Keep your mind open, your ears attuned, and your willingness to learn in the humble state of a student. And you have all done this. Each and every one of you. That's why you're here. You've been through so much.
008Some of you almost quit. You almost did, but you didn't. You're here, and today is your day. So, with that being said, you will walk out with a diploma, a high school diploma, something that you've worked for. So, congratulations to the class of 2026. Thank you, Mr. Davis. Now we have some honors and awards to give out. First of all, on behalf of PEO and Dr. Sue Ael, it is my pleasure to introduce our first scholarship awardee this evening. Again, on behalf of chapter KG of the PEO Sisterhood, proudly presents a $1,000 scholarship to Miss Paloma Martinez in recognition of her academic achievement. Paloma, please come forward. Congratulations, Paloma. And now, please welcome to the podium to present the Daniel Cash Jr. Memorial Scholarship, our very own Cabazon principal, Dr. Ricky Anderson. Good evening everybody.
009All right, I'm here to present the Daniel Cash Jr. Memorial Scholarship. The Daniel Cash Memorial Scholarship was established by his mother and sisters to recognize former Cabazon Dinos who embodied Danyy's compassionate spirit. At his core, Dany was a good human being who loved people and his community. He was a proud graduate of Banning High School and a local entrepreneur who believed in the potential of his city. Whether through his business or his personal life, local dedication was at the heart of everything he did. We hope this award inspires you to prioritize lending a helping hand and investing your passion back into your community just as he did. Daniel passed away in 2023, but he remains a vital part of Banning's story. Let this scholarship empower you to invest in yourself today so you so that
010you may one day invest in others. Congratulations to this year's recipient, Jaylen Diaz. Next, I would like to introduce Miss Alyssa Tugang, who is here to award a scholarship on behalf of the Seroptimus International of Banning in Bumont. And joining her today is also Miss Luis Saki from the Seroptimus International. Thank Thank you and good evening to the class of 2026. Sir Optimus is a worldwide organization that provides women and girls with opportunities and education so that they may achieve economic empowerment. We look for students who want to give back to their community. On behalf of Sir Optimus International of Bulmont Banning, it is my pleasure to present a scholarship in the amount of $500 to Erica Vasquez Louise. Of course, thank you to our seropimist. And finally, please welcome Raymond and members of the
011executive council of the Las Coyotees Band of Kawia and Ceno Indians Executive Council. Good evening everyone. Distinguished faculty, staff, family, students, and honored guests. Los Banana Kuano Indians Executive Council would like to first uh congratulate all the graduates here tonight. Tonight we are especially honored to recognize one graduate from our tribal community through a traditional blanket ceremony. In many native conditions, a blanket is more than a gift. It is a symbol of honor, protection, respect, and support. When a person is wrapped in a blanket, it represents the community surrounding them with love, strength, prayers, encouragement as they move into their next chapter of life. This evening we recognize a young man who carries himself with values of his family, his community, and his leadership responsibility and representing his people with pride and integrity. Isaac Rea,
012today we honor your accomplishments, the work it took you to reach this milestone, your family, your tribe, and your community are proud of you. As you continue forward into adulthood, remember that this blanket symbolizes the support of your people, the strength, and those that came before you. Wherever life takes you, continue to learn, grow, and never forget your roots are the community that stands behind you. >> Thank you. got his feather, too. >> He also received his eagle feather. Thank you. And now we want to hear from our graduates. Please welcome our KUS alternative ed student of the year scholarship recipient and validictorian for banning independent study school, Miss Paloma Martinez. I gotta take this thing off. Oh my. All right. Good evening, everyone. I want to start off by thanking everyone in the stands,
013the staff, and the loved ones, and most importantly, the graduating class for celebrating this incredible milestone with us tonight. Standing here as valadictorian is an honor I could have never achieved alone. While this recognition may have one name attached to it, it truly belongs to my straight arrowhead grandfather, my witchy and unyielding grandmother, my ingenious and astute mother, and my big soft teddy bear of a brother. Without these pillars of people in my life, I would not be I would not have the privilege to stand in front of you today. So with that, I want to thank the graduates loved ones sitting in this audience. Thank you for every sacrifice you've made and the constant belief in us even when we doubted ourselves. You taught us resilience, discipline, and compassion long before we ever Tonight
014is your achievement as well. I also want to recognize our teachers, counselors, and staff. You did far more than teach lessons from textbooks. You challenged us to think bigger, pushed us beyond our comfort, and reminded us of our potential when we couldn't see it ourselves. Your impact will stay with us long after graduation. To my fellow graduates, we made it. And if no one is going to say it, I will. We are one hell of a unique bunch. Something you see and think only in banning. We survived moments where the future felt uncertain. We experienced victories and setbacks, laughter and stress. And somehow through it all, we kept moving forward. And now we stand at the edge of a new beginning. Some of us are heading to college, entering the workforce, pursuing trades, or still
015figuring out what even comes next. But regardless of the path we take, we all share something important. This being the ability to shape the future. The future can feel intimidating because it is unknown. But it is also full of possibility. As we move forward, I hope we remember that success is not measured by titles, salaries, salaries, or awards. True success is measured by the kindness we show and the courage we have to keep growing. There will be moments when things don't go according to plan, but if our years here have taught us anything, it is that nothing ever really does go according to plan. Even so, like a chameleon, we adapted to the peculiar environments, changing our colors. And now I'm looking upon my fellow graduates, all in your different camouflage of colors, reminding us
016of the different challenges each and every one of us went through. Willing to fail and willing to try again. You're stronger than you ever imagined. Class of 2026, this is not the end of your story. It's the beginning of the next chapter. Wherever life takes us, I hope we continue to lead with integrity, compassion, and determination. Congratulations graduates. You did it. This is Paloma Martinez signing out. Thank you, Paloma. One more hand for Paloma, everybody. Next, I would like to introduce our district's exceptional graduate, Amy Her Scholarship recipient, and validictorian for New Horizons High School, Miss Jasmine Verdusco. Hi, good afternoon families, the banning community, and as well as the New Horizon's graduating class of 2026. As Cynthia Verdus and Aino Verdusco's daughter, I stand here today honored and proud to be this year's class
017of 2026 valadictorian. I want to start off by taking this moment real quick to fully take in this moment because never did I imagine I would be valictorian to my class. I want to give appreciation towards all of the people who believed in me and pushed me through the hard tough through the hard and tough moments. I want to give a huge thank you to towards my family, my mom, my dad, my siblings, my grandma, everybody. I love you guys so much. So my friends who have always been there for me and most importantly the banning community that made me feel included as being someone from Pomona, California. If there's one thing I learned while being at New Horizons and will always stick with me is that not all changes are bad. Some changes might
018hurt, but it'll lead to better things when least expected. The reason I say this is because I myself had to make the decision of leaving my old high school, which of course hurt me, but I will say it was the best decision I ever made. Yes, like I said, it wasn't something I intended to do, but it was for my own betterment. In the beginning, it really did feel like the end of the world for me. I was leaving almost everything behind and would have to start fresh. It got to the point where I felt really lost thinking I wasn't going to graduate. My grades were going to drop tremendously, feeling like I was wasting time, and just the worst of the worst thoughts. Fast forward to now, I'm beyond grateful more than words will
019ever explain, and I'm glad that choice was made. I received certain awards I never thought I would have gotten. created bonds with faculty students being my school's representative for board meetings, student of the month for September, and just different opportunity opportunities I never thought I would have been given. I will I will also say being at New Horizons was the first time I actually felt like I liked school and wanted to be at school. I was an early graduate, but that didn't stop me from not going anymore. I would still stop by. And if that doesn't tell you enough on how much I loved it there, then I don't know what will. Thank you, New Horizons, for my unforgettable experience. To the graduating class of 2026, we all sit proud and prepared to move our
020tassel from the right to the to the right to the left. As in this moment, we come to an end and close this chapter in our life and move on to the next. But let's take let's take this moment to remember those first days. Wearing backpacks that were almost bigger than us. Recess being the highlight of our day and getting Valentine's cards ready for the entire class. We learned to raise our hands, color inside the lines, numbers and shapes. And somewhere along the way, we learned to navigate friendships, overcome challenges, become problem solvers, and help discover who we truly are. Each year gave us the chance to grow and become the people we are today. And yet, there will always be room to improve. Now, with the drastic change of hitting our early adult life,
021I know it can be something that can be overwhelming, but make sure it isn't something that scares you when this whole graduation is over. Always remember that no matter how stuck you'll feel in a situation, there will always be a solution. Life's got so many things planned for us, and it's our job to put in our part to show up for everything we once dreamed of to make it reality. Congrats class of 2026. I'm beyond proud of each and one of you and I wish every single one of you the best of the best. >> Thank you, Jasmine. Mr. Davis, will you please join me at the podium? Will the graduates of the class of 2026 please rise banning unified district superintendent Mr. Terrence Davis. It is my distinct honor and privilege to present these
022candidates for graduation. I do officially certify that these 85 candidates for graduation from KUM's Alternative Education presented here before you on this Thursday, May 28th, 2026 have been approved by the faculty of KUMS Alternative Education. They have completed all coursework and fulfilled all graduation requirements as determined by the state of California Department of Education and Banning Unified School District Board of Education. As a result, these students are entitled to the rights and privileges of receiving a high school diploma. I present to you the class of 2026. Superintendent Davis, will you accept the class of 2026? Well, Dr. Lee, of course, we will by virtue of the authority vested upon me by the state of California and the Banning Unified School District Board of Trustees and with the presentation and certification by Dr. Principal Lee Kum's
023alternative education students have satisfactorily completed their high school diploma education curriculum prescribed by the California Department of Education. And I hereby confirm their graduation and therefore they are entitled to receive their high school diploma of graduation to enjoy whatever benefits appertaining thereto. Congratulations to the class of 2026. Graduates, you may be seated. Now, I would like to welcome to the podium for the roll call of graduates, Mr. Ryan Preventure, school counselor for Kum's Alternative Ed. And for the presentation of diplomas, I welcome our board of trustees. Okay. Aaliyah Cooper, >> Shila Janetsa Perez, Trinity Nunees, Carmen Marie Puit, Alicia Moreno, Olivia Roachcha, Elijah Lopez, Daniel Lopez, Elijah Perez, Philberto A. Chavez, Miguel Lee Barnett, >> Ernesto Gomez, Castillo Sakoro Medina Seoia Strong Horse Tahooka. Michael Lee, Antoine Amos, L. Chidz Ginz, Elijah Damian Perez, Savannah
024Artichi, Slassier, Deja Colon, Cousins, Miguel Angelo Torres Jr. Estraa Ayala Sanchez, Matili Aracelli, Rios Hernandez, Tally Jimenez, Nurano Lesie Rojas Compos, Raymond Dominguez, Haley Fields, Damian Fields, Megan and Cooper, Shayen Renee Cruz, Ruben Bates, Erica Vasquez, Louise, CJ Webb, Devin Ray, Misty Bender, Justennena Gonzalez, Vanessa Para, Honey, Napo, Savath, Isaac, Ala, Isaiah Louisa, Jasmine Isabelle, Palasios, Carlos D. Martinez, Pamela Rose Hernandez, Marissa Sanchez, Ignasio Ooa, Ray Crumbley, Valerie Silva, Brian Martinez Gonzalez, William Sorenson II, Van Garcia, Alan Lazardi, William Hail, Christian Raza, Francisco Raina Daniel Manuel Robles, Jaylen Thomas, Carter Phyllis, Damian Ramos, Linda Estraa Cardona, Matthew Vita Jamie Diaz Garcia, Daniel Orala, Nicholas Louisa Kamari Ross, Jaylen Diaz, Miguel Moronis, Marcos Andreas Frosto Kimora Jennings Nahoon Marquott Paloma Martinez, Sierra Amore, Ariana Serrano, Anthony Cathanos, Adam Wallace, Christopher Adam Rogers, Trinidad, Cruz, Ortega, Angel
025Valenuela, Jasmine Verdusco Diaz, Mia Nani, Star Lazardi Lopez, Gonzalo Lopez, Ramon King, Jose Aguilar, Mrs. Black Beauty, Ladies and gentlemen, we are nearing the end of our ceremony. After the tassel ceremony, I ask that everyone please remain seated until the final graduate has recessed from the stadium. Families, you will exit the stadium to the stairs and meet your graduate in the parking lot. And now, please help me welcome to the podium everyone's favorite teacher, Mr. David Sanchez, for the tassel ceremony. Oh, there he goes. There he goes. I'm gonna say come on down. Thank you, Mr. >> All right, graduates. This is the time we've all been waiting for, the official part, the tassel ceremony. Graduates, your big day has finally arrived. After years, books, tests, endless hours of homework, you and book about you,
026you are finally receiving your diploma. Class of 2026, please stand. Here we go. Take your tassel. Should be on the right side. Right side. Now move it to the left. You are official graduates. Congratulations, class of 2026. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Sanchez. This concludes our ceremony. Have a great night. Follow your leaders. Follow your leaders. Thank you everyone. I fly with the stars in the skies. I am no longer trying to survive. I believe that life is a prize. What you live doesn't mean you're alive. Don't worry about me and who I fire. I get what I desire. It's my empire. And yes, I call the shots. I am the umpire. I sprinkle holy water upon the vampire. In this very moment, I'm king. In this very moment, I slay Goliath with a sling.
027This very moment I bring. Put it on everything that I will retire with the ring. And I will retire with the crown. Yes. No, I'm not lucky. I'm blessed. Yes. Clap for the heavyweight champ. Me, but I couldn't do it all alone. We young money raised me. Grew up out in Paisley, Southside Jamaica, Queens. And it's crazy cuz I'm still hood. Hollywood couldn't change me. Shout out to my haters. Sorry that you couldn't phase me. Ain't being cocky. We just vindicated. Best believe that when we done, this moment will be syndicated. I don't know. This night just remind me of everything they deprived me of. Put your drinks up. It's a celebration. Every time we link up, we done everything they could think of. Greatness is what we want to bring up. Wish that I
028could have this moment for life. But in this moment, I just feel so alive. I wish that I could have this moment. This is my moment. I just feel so getting carried away. Look at me and Nikki getting married today. And now you could Debbie hating could catch a bouquet. Yeah, you a star in my eyes. You and all them white girls party of five. Are we drinking a little more? I could hardly decide. I can't believe we really made it. I'm partly surprised. I swear. Damn. This one for the books, man. I swear this is as fun as it looks, man. I'm really trying to make it more than what it is. Cuz everybody dies, but not everybody lives. >> I could have this moment for life. For life, for life. Cuz in this
029moment, I just feel so alive. I wish that I could have this moment. This is my moment. I just feel so alive. All my life I could tell it's time drifting away. I'm one with the sun set. I have become alive. I wish that I could have this moment for life. For life for life. Cuz in this moment, I just feel so alive. I wish that I could have this moment. This is my moment. I just feel so school bag in hand. She leaves home in the early morning, waving goodbye with an absent