On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the Berkeley High School library hosted families, teachers, and students to celebrate the graduation of the second-ever graduating Puente class at BHS. Puente — brought to BHS in 2022 — acts as both a class and a program in which Puente counselor Ade Melgoza, college counselor Yasmin Navarro, and teachers work alongside a small group of students to prepare them for the college application and selection process.
The University of California founded the Puente Project with the goal of increasing the number of students who attend four-year universities by bridging the disparities created by socioeconomic status. While Puente is open to all BHS students, it largely attracts first-generation prospective college students.
The ceremony was conducted in both English and Spanish — a testament to the Latinx families the Puente program has guided through the college process.
Despite joining the program under differing circumstances, Puente seniors noted that the greatest unifier was their shared academic goals. “Even though we all come from different backgrounds and experiences, Puente brought us together over one common goal, and that was creating opportunities for ourselves and getting into college with an amazing support system,” BHS senior Marquis Rutledge said.
Between speeches, winners of awards such as the Student Leadership award and Puente Spirit award were announced, commending Puente students for their hard work. The Si Se Puede (We Did It) award was also awarded to students who have overcome academic challenges.
“Before Puente, I couldn’t really see myself going to a four-year university,” BHS senior Pheona Bun Vongphachanh said in her speech, “And now I’m headed up the street to the number one public university in the country.”
The ceremony concluded with each student receiving a certificate of completion as well as a sash and a rose.