Education

Central Coast New Tech celebrates Class of 2026 graduates in SLO County

Courtesy of Lucia Mar Unified School District

Central Coast New Tech High School celebrated a class of 71 graduates Saturday afternoon.

The graduating class represents over $65,000 in scholarships earned, according to the school district.

Nearly 18% of the graduates are headed directly to Cal Poly, the district said, while others are off to Cuesta College, other four-year universities or community colleges, or to serve in the military, take gap years or start in the workforce.

The graduates celebrated James Russell Carter as the valedictorian, and Gabriela Gutierrez as the salutatorian and student body president.

Valedictorian James Russell Carter addresses the crowd at Central Coast New Tech High School’s graduation ceremony on June 6, 2026.
Valedictorian James Russell Carter addresses the crowd at Central Coast New Tech High School’s graduation ceremony on June 6, 2026. Courtesy of Lucia Mar Unified School District
Central Coast New Tech High School held its graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Central Coast New Tech High School held its graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Courtesy of Lucia Mar Unified School District
Students file into Central Coast New Tech High School’s graduation on June 6, 2026.
Students file into Central Coast New Tech High School’s graduation on June 6, 2026. Courtesy of Lucia Mar Unified School District
Central Coast New Tech High School’s graduates toss their caps in the air during commencement on June 6, 2026.
Central Coast New Tech High School’s graduates toss their caps in the air during commencement on June 6, 2026. Courtesy of Lucia Mar Unified School District
Alexander Zarate and counselor Laura Ortiz share an embrace at Central Coast New Tech High School’s graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Alexander Zarate and counselor Laura Ortiz share an embrace at Central Coast New Tech High School’s graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Courtesy of Lucia Mar Unified School District

This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 10:42 AM.

Related Stories from San Luis Obispo Tribune
Profile Image of Sadie Dittenber
Sadie Dittenber
The Tribune
805-781-7814
Sadie Dittenber writes about education for The Tribune and is a California Local News Fellow through the UC Berkeley School of Journalism. Dittenber graduated from The College of Idaho with a degree in international political economy.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER