Held at the Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education Performing Arts Center, the celebration featured a catered Italian lunch, coach speeches, certificates of recognition, District Office guests, and heartfelt student reflections highlighting the impact athletics had on their high school experience.
This school year marked North Park’s first official participation in seasonal athletics, joining continuation schools across the area in competition through football, softball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball.
According to coaches Rigoberto Torres and Dr. Kristine Dougherty, the program was created with a purpose far beyond wins and losses.
“The goal was to give students an opportunity to participate, improve attendance, maintain grades, and experience being part of something positive,” Torres said. “What we saw throughout the season was growth in confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and resilience.”
The co-ed rosters initially began with approximately 30 student-athletes and concluded the season with nearly 20 students, as several participants successfully improved their grades and returned to their comprehensive high schools, while others graduated early.
During the banquet, two senior student-athletes shared reflections about the meaningful role sports played in their educational journey and thanked their peers.
The event concluded with certificates and recognition awards honoring the dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments of North Park’s student-athletes throughout the school year.
Photos
NPHS 2026 Athletics Banquet, Students pose for a group photo
NPHS 2026 Athletics Banquet, staff pose for a group photo, from left to right: Rigoberto Torres, Jacqueline Villegas, Alejandra Escutia, and Dr. Kristine Dougherty
NPHS 2026 Athletics Banquet, Students pose for a group photo
NPHS 2026 Athletics Banquet, senior receives certificate