DOWNEY – With thousands of Downey students completing their high school careers this week, the Downey Unified School District reported a 93 percent graduation rate, higher than any other year. 

Nearly 2,000 graduates are moving on to colleges and universities, trade schools, the military, or heading right into a career, DUSD said in a press release. 

Columbus High School had its graduation ceremonies Tuesday, while Downey High graduates receive their diplomas tonight at Cerritos College. 

Warren High's commencement ceremony is scheduled for Friday, also in the Cerritos College stadium. 

Students will be attending colleges and universities around the country, including Stanford, MIT, UCLA, USC, Georgetown, John Hopkins, Baylor and Boston University. 

Thirty-seven DUSD students will attend either UCLA, UC Irvine or UC Berkeley. 

"Downey Unified has provided each with the tools to move into this next stage of life as a globally competitive individual and person of strong character," DUSD officials said. 

"California’s record high graduation rate is great news, especially since it is occurring at the same time we are raising academic standards,” stated State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. “This is more evidence that the dramatic changes taking place in our schools are helping improve teaching and learning in every classroom.”

Earlier in June, students were recognized by teachers, staff, Downey Unified administrators and community representatives from a variety of organizations at the senior awards ceremonies held by each comprehensive high school. 

These award ceremonies, held at the Downey Theater, were coordinated to celebrate and award seniors for their outstanding achievements, also providing them with scholarships.
Approximately 470 Downey Unified students were honored and received a variety of local scholarships totaling more than $460,000. 

“Downey Unified’s vision is to have all students graduate with a 21st Century education that ensures they are college and career ready, globally competitive and students of strong character,” said Superintendent Dr. John Garcia. “Having our students honored with over 600 different scholarships, along with attaining the highest graduation rate to date, truly illustrates that our vision is becoming a reality. Downey Unified graduates will be a force to be reckoned with in today’s world.”