Cloud Campus closes its doors with final graduating class of 2023

As teachers and faculty handed off the diplomas to this year’s graduating class, they also waved goodbye to Cloud Campus, which will now officially close, following direction from Newport-Mesa Unified School District officials in April.

“Graduates, may you look back on your time at Cloud Campus with fond memories,” said Principal Raquel Stephens. “May the skills you acquired at Cloud Campus be the launching point into the next chapter of your college and career goals. Cloud Campus was truly a special time in many lives and a great chapter in our district’s history.

Cloud Campus Class of 2023 valedictorian Lauren James sings the national anthem for the start of the Cloud Campus High School Class of 2023 commencement ceremony at Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach on Thursday.

(James Carbone)

“I wish you all good success! Congratulations, Class of 2023!”

Twenty-one students graduated on Thursday at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, many of whom had participated in the Cloud Campus program for the last three years.

District officials confirmed that the virtual learning platform, created in 2020 as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, served roughly 3,000 students.

Ninety percent of students will be going to college, and roughly 10% plan to go to a trade school after graduation. Commencement speakers included Sentra Ho and Jonathan Lohr, and valedictorian Lauren James sang the national anthem.

Cloud Campus graduate Jonathan Lohr speaks at the Cloud Campus High School Class of 2023 commencement ceremony at Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach on Thursday.

(James Carbone)