From Classroom to Commencement

June 4, 2026

The Lincoln High School Class of 2026 celebrated graduation with exceptional achievements, guided significantly by Finance Math teacher Dr. Keisha Cornwell-McKinney, who recently earned her own Doctor of Education degree after 16 years at the school. Featured graduates demonstrated remarkable academic success, including students accepted to dozens of universities with GPAs exceeding 4. 0, pursuing diverse career paths from software engineering to astrophysics.

Who is affected

Lincoln High School Class of 2026 graduates
Dr. Keisha Cornwell-McKinney (Finance Math teacher)
Specific students: Stevenson Jean, Nyema Alea Curtis, Jayla Howard, Richie Hayden Guerra, and Zyriah Littleton
Universities receiving these students (UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, California State University San Marcos, San Diego State University)
The United States Marine Corps (accepting Zyriah Littleton)

What action is being taken

The Class of 2026 is graduating and walking across the stage
Students are celebrating their achievements
Dr. Cornwell-McKinney is celebrating both her students' accomplishments and her own Doctor of Education degree completion

Why it matters

This graduation represents more than academic achievement; it demonstrates how dedicated educators can fundamentally impact students' belief in their own potential and ability to overcome adversity. Dr. Cornwell-McKinney's dual role as both an accomplished educator and continuing learner provided a powerful model of perseverance, particularly for students who may have faced doubts about their capabilities. The diverse career aspirations and exceptional academic achievements of these graduates show how supportive educational environments can help students from challenging backgrounds access opportunities at prestigious universities and pursue ambitious goals across multiple professional fields.

What's next

Stevenson Jean will attend California State University San Marcos to study Software Engineering
Nyema Alea Curtis will attend UC Berkeley and pursue a career in law
Jayla Howard will attend San Diego State University, majoring in Criminal Justice, with plans to become a criminal investigator
Richie Hayden Guerra will attend UC San Diego to study Astronomy and Astrophysics before pursuing a Ph.D.
Zyriah Littleton will enter the United States Marine Corps, working in Human Resources while pursuing online college education

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint