Celebrating a Remarkable Year and the Class of 2024! (2024)

Dear High Tech High Family:

As we wrap up another extraordinary school year across our 16 schools, we celebrate the incredible journey and congratulate the graduating Class of 2024! We’re so excited for their collective future. Looking back on this year, the milestones we achieved are truly amazing.

We had a wonderful year with so many amazing events. Two campuses were named California Distinguished Schools: High Tech Middle North County, and Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High. Students were part of the design process as High Tech Elementary Explorer collaborated with artist Scarlett Baily on the “Howka” mural, celebrating San Diego’s First Peoples heritage. At HTH Mesa, Biology teacher Meghan Paddy was featured by Illumina for her hands-on teaching approach. Innovation and entrepreneurship were displayed as HTH seniors led a well-publicized ‘Endersession’ game development internship. At HTH Media Arts, a partnership with Girlie Garage for an innovative automotive program made automotive repair accessible to more students–and also made the news.

HTH campuses continued to lead the region in college-going rates. Take note of HTH’s Lucia Lopez, a senior accepted to 11 colleges, including Yale, Stanford, and Harvard, despite significant personal challenges. She chose Harvard! And ‘Yes’, the list of amazing students and staff goes on!

As we approach the end of another school year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the journey we have embarked on together. It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024. Your dedication, resilience, and pursuit of knowledge have truly set you apart. As you move forward, may you always remember to look beyond yourselves, to constantly seek understanding of the world around you, and to work tirelessly towards justice and equity.

I am pleased to note that, of the 676 students in this year’s senior class across our six high schools, 90.75% were accepted to four-year universities. This includes nearly 83% of Black/LatinX male students, reflecting the system’s equity aims. In addition, about 93% of graduating seniors completed the FAFSA application, helping ensure students have financial assistance in meeting their college goals. I am especially grateful for the work of our College and Career Access Teams. The data tells part of the story of the difference they are making in our students’ futures. The human impact, building success through our core values, tells the rest.

I am proud of the incredible work our students have engaged in and the meaningful community partnerships we have established. From thought-provoking projects to impactful collaborations, you have demonstrated what it means to be innovative and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our devoted teachers for creating deeper learning experiences that inspire and empower our students. Your dedication and commitment are the foundation of our success. I also want to recognize our staff for their unwavering support and our schools for fostering environments where educators and students alike can thrive, take risks, and grow. Leadership matters and thank you to our site directors for guiding our communities to even greater success.

To our families, I extend a heartfelt thank you for your continuous presence and unwavering support throughout the year. I truly appreciate your active participation in events such as Student-Led Conferences, Presentations of Learning, and Exhibitions. Your partnership is invaluable in nurturing our learning communities and ensuring the success of our students.

As we look ahead to the summer break, I encourage each and every one of you to embrace relaxation, find joy in fun-filled activities, and cherish moments of connection with loved ones. Just as we nurture a garden to help it flourish, let us also nurture our minds, bodies, and spirits so that we may return refreshed and rejuvenated for the adventures that lie ahead.

Thank you once again for your continued support and commitment to High Tech High. Wishing you all a summer filled with relaxation, fun, and meaningful connections.

Warm regards,

Dr. Diana Cornejo-Sanchez
Interim CEO
High Tech High