Stella High Eagles Graduate High School with 27 College Degrees Already Earned
Fifteen seniors from Stella High Charter Academy, a Bright Star school in South Los Angeles, are graduating with more than just a high school diploma—they are earning a combined 27 associate degrees and college transfer certifications, putting them years ahead on their higher education journey.
Through Stella's dual enrollment and dual-degree partnership with Los Angeles Southwest College, students complete college coursework while still in high school, allowing many to enter four-year universities with junior standing and their lower-division general education requirements already fulfilled.
This achievement is especially significant because most of the graduates are first-generation college students, and 96% of Stella High Charter Academy students come from economically disadvantaged households. By earning college credits before graduation, these students and their families can save thousands of dollars in tuition costs while accelerating their path to a bachelor's degree.
Among this year's graduates is Valedictorian Omar Soto, who earned two associate degrees while completing high school. The son of immigrants, Soto plans to attend the University of Southern California, where he will study electrical engineering with a minor in construction management.
"My story began with my parents' courage," Soto said. "After losing my older brother, they made the difficult decision to leave everything behind and come to the United States in search of hope and opportunity. Their resilience taught me that challenges can become motivation."
The number of Stella students earning both high school and college credentials has more than doubled in just one year, growing from seven graduates in 2025 to fifteen graduates in 2026. Dr. Darryl Garris, principal of Stella High Charter Academy, credits the school's comprehensive student support system for helping students balance college coursework while still in high school.
"We have robust support for them through a dedicated career coordinator as well as onsite school counselors who are constantly monitoring their progress and supporting them," Garris said. "That means when they go to a four-year institution, they are already halfway there. It also means they are set up to be more successful as transfer students, spend less time earning their bachelor's degree, and spend a lot less money doing it."
That support does not end at graduation. As part of Bright Star Schools' commitment to long-term student success, graduates continue to receive personalized guidance through the Alumni Support & College Success Program, which provides six years of post-graduation support. The program helps alumni navigate financial aid, access career development opportunities, build essential life skills, and overcome barriers as they work toward completing college and launching their careers.
This year's dual-degree graduates have been accepted to some of California's most respected universities, including UCLA, USC, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Merced, Chapman University, Loyola Marymount University, and California State University, Dominguez Hills.
- Emily A., 2 AA degrees, attending UC Irvine
- Pedro B., 1 AA degree, attending USC
- Karla G., 2 AA degrees, attending UC Merced
- Angelica G., 2 AA degrees, attending UC Davis
- Daniela L., 1 AA degree, attending UC San Diego
- Diondra L., 1 AA degree, attending CSU Dominguez Hills
- Jarecxy L., 1 AA degree, attending UC Davis
- Alexa M., 2 AA degrees, attending UCLA
- Angel O., 2 AA degrees, attending Chapman University
- Axel P., 2 AA degrees, attending USC
- Renae R., 2 AA degrees, attending UC Davis
- Sofia R., 3 AA degrees, attending UCLA, Salutatorian
- Savannah S., 2 AA degrees, attending Loyola Marymount University
- Emely S., 2 AA degrees, attending UC San Diego
- Omar S., 2 AA degrees, attending USC, Valedictorian
As families across the country grapple with rising college costs, Stella High Charter Academy and Bright Star Schools continue to demonstrate how innovative pathways and comprehensive support systems can expand access to higher education and help students achieve their goals.
In the News
The graduates' achievements attracted attention from local and national media outlets. Thank you Univision, KABC, MyNewsLA, and CALÓ News for your coverage.
KABC-TV Los Angeles
Coverage on ABC7 Los Angeles brought the story to one of Southern California's largest television audiences, reinforcing Stella High Charter Academy's reputation for academic excellence and college readiness.
UNIVISION Los Angeles
A behind-the-scenes look at the celebration and student stories can be viewed on Instagram
MYNEWSLA
"South LA High School Graduates to Receive 27 Associates Degrees"
CALÓ News
"High School Students to Graduate with College Degrees"