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Senior Spotlight: Lost Hills Scholar Melissa Juarez Heads to UC Irvine with Three AA Degrees
Wed July 30, 2025 | District News

Senior Spotlight: Lost Hills Scholar Melissa Juarez Heads to UC Irvine with Three AA Degrees

Before she even crossed the stage at graduation, Melissa Juarez of Lost Hills had already earned three associate degrees — an extraordinary achievement for a high school senior.
A proud graduate of Wonderful College Prep Academy, Melissa is part of just the second graduating class from the school’s Lost Hills campus. This fall, Melissa will enter UC Irvine as a Materials Science and Engineering major — a decision driven by her love of all things STEM.

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White Coats, Bold Futures: Kern Healthcare Academy Immerses Students in Medical Experience
Fri July 25, 2025 | KCSOS News

White Coats, Bold Futures: Kern Healthcare Academy Immerses Students in Medical Experience

For a group of rising juniors and seniors from the Kern High School District, this summer was more than a break from the classroom — it marked the beginning of what could be a lifelong calling. The first-ever Kern Healthcare Academy wrapped up its immersive three-day residential program with a symbolic white coat ceremony on Thursday at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), celebrating the students’ early commitment to healthcare careers.

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
Foster Youth Shine as Leaders at KCSOS STEAM Summer Camp
Thu July 10, 2025 | Featured

Foster Youth Shine as Leaders at KCSOS STEAM Summer Camp

This summer, a group of young foster students from across Kern County experienced more than just hands-on learning — they began making their mark as future civic leaders. For three weeks this summer, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) hosted its third annual Foster Youth STEAM Summer Camp at the Kern County Museum. The free program welcomed 23 incoming third through sixth graders currently active in the foster care system. 

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
Senior Spotlight: Taylor Burrows — from Highland High to Johns Hopkins
Mon July 7, 2025 | Spotlight

Senior Spotlight: Taylor Burrows — from Highland High to Johns Hopkins

For the first time in her life, Taylor Burrows is leaving California — and she’s going big. The recent Highland High School graduate is headed across the country this fall to begin her college journey at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. There, she’ll pursue a pre-med track, continuing a path she’s been building since freshman year, guided by a love of science, a passion for helping others, and the relentless work ethic that has defined her high school experience.

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
Senior Spotlight: Avery Francisco Cacal Honors Service and Family Tradition at West Point
Tue July 1, 2025 | Spotlight

Senior Spotlight: Avery Francisco Cacal Honors Service and Family Tradition at West Point

When Avery Francisco Cacal walked across the stage at Delano High School’s graduation, he did so with a sense of purpose greater than himself. His journey is defined by hard work, sacrifice, and a dream of serving his country, just as his family has done before him. This fall, Avery is headed to New York to attend the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) before joining USMA, also known as West Point. His ultimate goal is to join the U.S. Army as an officer, a first for his family.

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
Senior Spotlight: Nathan Chavez Blazes a Trail to the Ivy League as First-Gen UPenn Student
Wed June 25, 2025 | Spotlight

Senior Spotlight: Nathan Chavez Blazes a Trail to the Ivy League as First-Gen UPenn Student

This fall, Nathan Chavez will be trading the warm familiarity of Bakersfield for the historic halls of the University of Pennsylvania — one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions in the country. With an acceptance rate of just 5.9 percent and a reputation for challenging its students, UPenn is no easy feat. Yet, for Nathan, it’s not just a college acceptance — it’s the realization of a dream and a defining milestone as the first in his family to attend a four-year university.

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
PHOTO ESSAY: KCSOS Summer STEAM Camps Inspire Lifelong Learning
Tue June 17, 2025 | KCSOS News

PHOTO ESSAY: KCSOS Summer STEAM Camps Inspire Lifelong Learning

Thousands of students across Kern County are sparking curiosity and a love of learning at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) summer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Camps. The summer extended learning program offers a variety of hands-on activities and lessons for several age groups and districts. The summer STEAM Camps were nominated for a 2025 Beautiful Bakersfield Award in the Educational Excellence category. This year, the camps’ locations have expanded to include the new KCSOS STEAM Yard, which opened at the beginning of May. Each location offers a distinct focus, with lesson plans tailored to match each theme.

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
Senior Spotlight: Delano’s Ruby Bravo Graduates High School with Three College Degrees
Fri June 13, 2025 | Spotlight

Senior Spotlight: Delano’s Ruby Bravo Graduates High School with Three College Degrees

Thanks to the extensive early college programs offered by high school districts across Kern County, many local seniors can graduate with more than just a few college credits to their name. In fact, a growing number are earning full associate degrees before they even leave their high school campus.  Ruby Bravo, who recently graduated from Delano High School, has earned three degrees: two Associate of Arts (AA) degrees from Bakersfield College (BC) and one Associate of Science (AS) degree from Cerro Coso Community College.

By Katie Avery
By Katie Avery
New Award Shines Light on Unsung Student Achievements at VOCS 
Fri May 30, 2025 | Spotlight

New Award Shines Light on Unsung Student Achievements at VOCS 

Meet the unsung heroes of Valley Oaks Charter School. The inaugural Superintendent’s Award honors four standout students—not just for grades, but for grit, kindness, and quiet leadership. From running a petting zoo to reviving a drama program, these 8th and 12th graders show that impact isn’t always loud—but it’s always powerful.

By Jennifer Bryan
By Jennifer Bryan
Mark Luque Reflects on Legacy at BCSD, Looks Ahead to New Chapter with KCSOS
Thu May 29, 2025 | KCSOS News

Mark Luque Reflects on Legacy at BCSD, Looks Ahead to New Chapter with KCSOS

After more than a decade in leadership at Bakersfield City School District, Superintendent Mark Luque is stepping into a new role with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools as Chief Training & Advancement Officer. The longtime educator, who once attended BCSD schools himself, says the move isn’t a departure but an expansion — a chance to support and empower school leaders countywide while continuing to champion student success.

By Robert Meszaros
By Robert Meszaros