Kababayan SFUSD Celebrates Achievements of Graduating Filipino American 12-Graders
Kababayan SFUSD members Jan Bautista, Principal at Lowell High School, Paolo Salazar, Lincoln High School Arts Teacher, and Maria Lourdes Nocedal-Geaga, Assistant Principal at Presidio Middle School awarding certificates and stoles to Filipino American graduating students during the 2026 SFUSD Filipinx Graduation ceremony at Lowell High School (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – Attended by the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, the annual Pilipinx Graduation Celebration organized by the Kababayan-SFUSD, an organization composed of Filipino employees of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), was held on 14 May 2026 at the Lowell High School.
A total of 36 graduating Filipino American seniors from various schools within SFUSD were recognized and awarded certificates and graduation stoles. During the conferment of the stoles, each student was also given the opportunity to share their future plans and aspirations after graduation.
Kababayan SFUSD commended students from various high schools who received the Kababayan Senior Scholarship Awards, Rosa Mausisa Scholarship Award, Dr. Conchita Scholarship Award, Jurado Family Scholarship Award, and the Marania Scholarship Award.
In his remarks, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon highlighted the importance of having a strong and supportive community that encourages young people to pursue their passions and provides guidance during difficult and uncertain times.
The memorable event is not just a celebration of the achievements of the graduating students but also a celebration of the Filipino heritage and demonstration of unwavering support of the Filipino educators, parents, and the community to the students as they navigate their academic journey.
Since 2019, Kababayan SFUSD has invited students, families, community based organizations, and SFUSD educators to honor the Filipino/a/x-identifying 12th graders graduating students. It aims to spotlight Senior scholarship recipients, showcase the students’ talents through performances (music, spoken word, cultural dance), and inspire and motivate attendees through invited keynote speakers.END
Lowell High School alumna Rejine Rhianna Barles delivered a heartfelt keynote speech, sharing her inspiring journey and reflecting on how her time at Lowell helped shape her growth, values, and success.
(San Francisco PCG photo)
Ms. Maria Lourdes Nocedal-Geaga, Assistant Principal of Presidio Middle School assists the student during the ceremony (San Francisco PCG photo)
Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon congratulates the graduating students and commended Kababayan SFUSD and parents for their unwavering support for Filipino American students during the ceremony
(San Francisco PCG photo)