BEAUMONT, CA — Thursday, the Beaumont evening erupted into a thunderous roar as 750 Beaumont High School seniors became alumni.
Board President Jeff Brown accepted the 2026 graduating class. This is the only traditional high school in Beaumont with over 3,450 enrolled students.
According to the 2025 California Dashboard, it boasts a 95.8% graduation rate–significantly higher than the statewide average. The school underwent a $64 million expansion, completed in 2023, funded primarily by the 2008 voter-approved Measure Z bond.
In 2026, the top graduates are two valedictorians: Logan Moon and Petra Rathfelder. They are both pursuing degrees at public Ivy League schools. Moon will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear engineering at the top-ranking public university, UC Berkeley. Rathfelder will be double-majoring in biology and environmental science at the premier public research university, UC Davis.
During Moon’s commencement speech, he addressed the challenges his generation faces, such as disruptive technologies and climate change.
“Many of us here tonight will be transitioning into an environment where we are to be increasingly confronted by challenges,” Moon said, before encouraging his peers to “not lose sight" of who they are and their “own will.”
Valedictorian Rathfelder also highlighted global uncertainty. “Our generation has grown up during a time governed by conflict, division, and injustice,” Rathfelder said. Toward the end of her remarks, she directed her peers to “see injustice for what it is and stand up to it. Speak up for those who are unheard. Choose empathy when division feels easier. And never stop
believing that change is possible.”
Principal Drew Scherrer sees hope and potential in the 2026 graduating class. He noted the class gave over 300 pints of blood, volunteered over 2,000 hours, and collected thousands of
food items for families in need, adding: “It is our sincere hope that we have done our part to prepare you for the challenges ahead."
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Banning, CA Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.