Sutter Union High School seniors receive the stoles and cords they will wear at graduation during a May 19 ceremony recognizing the Class of 2026 for achieving 100 percent completion in the school’s career‑readiness programs. 

SUTTER, CA (MPG) - When Sutter Union High School’s Class of 2026 graduates on June 5, every senior will walk off Wayne Gadberry Field with purpose, pathways and possibilities, a milestone that is redefining expectations for students.

The achievement was recognized on May 19, when students were honored across all 18 CTE pathways. The Class of 2026 is the first at Sutter High to reach 100 percent completion in the school’s career‑readiness programs, a benchmark that places every senior on track with skills and experience for life after graduation.

CTE Advisor Charm Hopkins said each pathway is a sequence of courses and hands-on learning that helps students discover their strengths, grow in confidence and begin to see their future taking shape beyond the classroom.

“Every single graduate leaves Sutter Union High School with more than a diploma,” Hopkins said. “They leave with experiences, technical and workplace skills, confidence and a clearer vision of who they are and where they are going.”

Principal Rick Giovannoni joined staff as seniors were recognized for pathway completion in agriculture, animal science, business, health care, construction, public safety, digital media, cosmetology, performing arts and more. He noted that the milestone reflects students’ growth and the real world learning they have taken on, supported by teachers, families, counselors, industry partners and the broader school community.

Public Safety completers gather for a photo during the May 19 ceremony honoring Sutter Union High School seniors for reaching full participation in the school’s career‑readiness programs.

During the ceremony, seniors received the stoles they will wear at graduation along with cords tied to their pathways. Agriculture students received green cords, health science students were given red, business students received blue and construction students were given gold. Agricultural Mechanics had the largest group of completers, reflecting the strength of the school’s agriculture program, while Agri-Science was represented by a single student. Several seniors completed more than one pathway and will graduate wearing multiple cords.

Sutter’s CTE program grew from a multi-year effort to build a structured college and career readiness system. The school became a pilot site for an early version of the HopeST career exploration app, and the expansion accelerated after Hopkins and Agriculture Department Chair Mandy Dowden returned from a national conference focused on strengthening career connected learning.

With support from district leadership, the school developed a continuum centered on awareness, exploration, validation and action. The system now includes classroom integration, educator dashboards, job shadow preparation, reflection tools and measurable career readiness experiences. The partnership with the platform demonstrated that career readiness can be embedded into the school day for all students.

For many students, completing a pathway provided direction, strengthened their confidence and helped them see new possibilities for their future.

With this milestone, the school has exceeded the district’s goal and set a new standard for what students can achieve. Hopkins said the accomplishment reflects a community that shows up for its young people.

“I truly believe Sutter Union High School is proof of what is possible when innovative technology, intentional school design, caring educators, and strong community partnerships work together around a shared vision for students,” she said.