First In Class

Kern High School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Zulfa honored the Class of 2024 graduates who achieved the highest grade point average during the annual Superintendent's Awards ceremony on June 27, 2024, at Bakersfield High School's Harvey Auditorium.

It is my privilege to recognize those students who have achieved the highest cumulative grade point average in their school's graduating class. 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.

Michael Zulfa, Ed.D.

KHSD Superintendent

A total of 121 First In Class recipients from KHSD's 18 comprehensive campuses were recognized with a commemorative plaque and a $500 scholarship. KHSD would like to thank the following:

Platinum Donor – Valley Strong Credit Union
Silver Sponsor - Stinson's
Bronze Donors – S.C. Anderson Inc., Ben H. and Gladys Arkelian Foundation, Louis and Sheryl Barbich Foundation, Molly and Bruce Busacca, Inc. dba Secure Systems, Kern Asphalt Paving & Sealing Co., Inc., Ordiz-Melby Architects, Solis Engineering, Inc., and Harry and Ethel West DoBarbich Foundation.
Friends of KHSD – Michele and Dan Hay

Photo of the 2022 KHSD Superintendent's First In Class students at Bakersfield High School's Harvey Auditorium — Superintendent's First In Class 2022

First In Class students posing for a photo with their recognition plaque on stage — Superintendent's First In Class 2022

Photo of posters in the lobby of BHS of Superintendent's First In Class 2022 — Superintendent's First In Class 2022

Dr. Schaefer posing for a photo with a First In Class student — Superintendent's First In Class 2022

Poster in the lobby saying 'First In Class 2022 Awards' — Superintendent's First In Class 2022

First In Class students poses for a photo under a balloon decoration — Superintendent's First In Class 2022

Three female First In Class students pose for photos with their recognition plaques — Superintendent's First In Class 2022

Superintendent's First In Class award recipients for 2019

Dr. Schaefer speaking at First in Class Awards

What is First In Class?

The KHSD Superintendent’s First In Class Awards are presented to those students with the highest grade point average in their school’s graduating class. On average, over 90% of all First In Class Award winners, earn the highest possible grade point average (GPA) of 4.50.