COMPTON — The country’s former vice president was in attendance June 5 when Compton High School held its graduation ceremony in the school’s new football stadium.
Compton High’s graduating seniors had a special visit from former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Today, the Compton High School Class of 2025 became the first class to graduate at the brand new Compton High School campus,” the district said in a statement. “This historic moment was made even more special with a visit from Vice President Kamala Harris, who attended as the personal guest of graduating senior MyShay Causey.”
Compton school board Vice President Satra Zurita shared the news on social media.
“Our VIP guest, @kamalaharris Vice President Kamala Harris celebrating our Compton High School Class of 2025 Graduates,” Zurita wrote on her social media account.
Although Harris did not deliver a speech, she stayed on stage throughout the ceremony. In a post on X, she said she was personally invited by Causey, who met Harris while working at a restaurant where Harris and her husband were dining.
“She wrote a note to me and shared it with him, telling me about her incredible work in her community and her dream to work in education policy,” Harris wrote. “We spoke on the phone, and she invited me to attend Compton High School’s graduation. It was my honor to attend her ceremony today and celebrate the outstanding Class of 2025.”
Graduates took selfies with Harris and cheered her unexpected visit.
The district noted that the 283 students in the 2025 graduating class had a college acceptance rate of 87% and with nearly $500,000 in combined scholarships.
“Twelve students graduated with a 4.0 grade point average or better and the valedictorian achieved a GPA of 4.56,” the district said in a statement. “This is more than just a graduation — it’s a moment that will live on in Compton history.
In 2024, the district boasted a 93% graduation rate, making Compton Unified School District rank No. 1 in Los Angeles County and No. 2 in the state among districts of similar size and socioeconomic status.
The ceremony was held on the newly renovated Compton High School campus.
The district celebrated the reopening of the high school May 22, which featured an appearance from Dr. Dre, who contributed $10 million towards the new campus performing arts center. Compton High grad and NBA player Demar DeRozan also attended the school ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The new 31-acre campus for the nearly 120-year-old school will serve more than 1,800 students and feature a 140,639-square-foot academic building, a 36,534-square-foot gymnasium, a half-size Olympic pool and enhanced landscaping with California native plants, officials said.
Compton Unified School District expects to welcome its first class of students back to the campus in August.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
