|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Manisila Pousini’s family decorates him in leis after the TIDE Academy graduation ceremony. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney. 
TIDE Academy Graduates toss their caps. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney. 
Graduates Charles Laird and Stephanie Aleman hug. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney. 
Family members snap photos during the TIDE Academy graduation ceremony. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney. 
Vice Principal Tina Smith gives each graduate a Hawaiian lei. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney. 
Graduates wave to their families during the graduation ceremony. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney. 
Shiloh Lopez speaks at the graduation ceremony. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney. 
Scenes from the TIDE Academy graduation ceremony. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney. 
Jivas Kharabanda speaks at the graduation ceremony. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney. 
TIDE Academy graduates high five their teachers as they head to their graduation ceremony. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney. 
School counselor Laura Sandora and teacher Ryan Stagg lead the graduates to their ceremony. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney. 
Graduates prepare and chat with teachers before their graduation ceremony. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney.
On June 5, TIDE Academy in Menlo Park congratulated the Class of 2024 as it celebrated the graduation of 39 students. This is the second class to be graduate from the school since its inception in 2019.
The ceremony was held at the Dining Hall at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills to commemorate the hard work and accomplishments of graduating seniors. Foothill College President Kristina Whalen welcomed TIDE Academy to the campus and congratulated them on their achievements from the moment they entered TIDE through “virtual doors” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speeches were given by graduating seniors, Jivas Kharbanda, Sarai Lainez and Shiloh Lopez followed by TIDE Principal Simone Rick-Kennel.
Before awarding each student a diploma, a video played featuring students recalling their favorite memories at TIDE, announcing their next steps and reflecting on their expectations post-grad and the reality of the high school experience.
The Class of 2024 have diverse future plans. Students will be attending college, joining the U.S. Marines, going to flight school and traveling across the world.
As each student was called to the stage, the sound of ringing cowbells and joyful cheers echoed throughout the venue. Each graduate received their high school diploma, a handshake and a fresh Hawaiian lei, provided by the family of graduating senior Ezra Melosh.
After students took the momentous act of moving their tassel from the right to the left, the ceremony concluded with roaring excitement from the crowd and a celebratory cap toss. “Celebration” by Kool and The Gang played as the newly graduated students walked down the hall, taking their first steps into the next chapter of their lives.
View the list of graduates here.
Hells Angels member reaches plea deal in fatal punch case at Shoreline AmphitheatreApril 22, 2026 8:00 am