A total of 118 graduates from KHSD’s 18 comprehensive campuses received a commemorative plaque, along with a $1,000 scholarship check. All of the funding for the scholarships came from donations made by private individuals, companies, or organizations. The two largest sponsors were Chevron and Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. Other sponsors include S.C. Anderson, Inc., Louis and Sheryl Barbich, Solis Engineering, Inc., Ordiz Melby Architects, Inc., Bob Hampton, Jim Burke Ford, and Mendiburu Magic Foundation.
“This accomplishment is one of the most remarkable feats in all of education. The competition for this award is extremely intense and demands excellence throughout a four-year gauntlet of increasingly rigorous mental, physical, and emotional challenges.” –Dr. Bryon Schaefer, KHSD Superintendent
The First In Class event has continued to grow throughout the years. It first began in 2006 and was held in the Kern High School District Board Room with 45 students honored.