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Inspiring Speeches — LGBTQIA+ 2020 Virtual Graduation Celebration

Despite the difficult circumstances of the past school year, our local LGBTQIA+ youth are persevering, thriving, and achieving their goals. Local leaders and allies to the LGBTQIA+ community share their gratitude, advice, and hopes for our youth in these inspiring videos. We hope you join us in the spring to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ graduating class of 2021.

  • Adrian Viloria – QYLA 2016 Awardee and Santa Cruz Pride Grand Marshall 2016
  • Isa Moreno – Watsonville High Class of 2017 Co-Valedictorian
  • Ashlyn N. Adams – Youth Program Coordinator, The Diversity Center
  • Caleb Lennon – GSA President, Cypress High School Class of 2020
  • Cindy Ranii and Shelley James — Cindy Ranii – President, Santa Cruz City Schools Board of Education
  • Dina Izzo – Coordinator, Santa Cruz Pride
  • Dr. Kofi Akinjide – Director of Student Equity and Success, Cabrillo College
  • Dr. Lauren Esposito – Schlinger Chair of Arachnology, CA Academy of Sciences, Founder: 500 Queer Scientists 
  • Jeff Sheng – Artist and Photographer, The Fearless Project
  • Congressmember Jimmy Panetta – California’s 20th Congressional District
  • State Senator Anna M. Caballero – California Senate District 12
  • John Laird – Former Secretary, California Secretary for Natural Resources
  • Lesley-Reid Harrison – Secretary, Pajaro Valley Pride
  • Mayor Rebecca J. Garcia – Mayor, City of Watsonville
  • Ryan Bosson – Spanish Teacher and QSA Advisor, Soquel High School
  • Sage Leibenson – Administrative Manager, Santa Cruz County Office of Education
  • Travis Becker – Director, Lionel CantĂș Queer Resource Center, UCSC 
  • Dr. Jen Hastings – Reflections on Mindfulness — Founder, Planned Parenthood Transgender Healthcare Program
  • Dr. Shane Hill – Reflections on Mindfulness — Clinical Psychologist

Back to Graduation Ceremony webpage

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