SANTA BARBARA — Adelante Charter School celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday, November 1, at The Hub Downtown, honoring the Founding Board of Directors and longtime arts supporter Jim Kearns for their enduring contributions to bilingual education in Santa Barbara. The milestone event brought together 150 guests, including families, alumni, educators, and community leaders, to celebrate 25 years of excellence in dual-language education.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from Adelante alumni Isaiah Zermeno and Isabella Lopez-Solis, both students at Santa Barbara Junior High who began their educational journey together at Adelante in kindergarten.
“Tonight’s celebration isn’t just about looking back — it’s about the future we’re building together,” said Zermeno and Lopez-Solis. “Adelante taught us that being bilingual means having twice the voice and twice the opportunity to make a difference. We’re proud to be part of a community that believes in education, culture, and possibility for every student.”
The celebration featured dynamic performances from the Adelante Theater and Dance Program, followed by festive closing music from Mariachi Reyes de Nanette Reyes.
Senator Monique Limón, who emceed the evening and previously served as a trustee for both Santa Barbara Unified School District, reflected on the school’s founding in 2000. Led by Peter Rellis, the Founding Board united parents and educators to establish what would become the city’s first dual-language immersion school, then known as César Chávez Charter School.
Adelante Charter School Director Javier Bolívar reflected on the school’s extraordinary academic growth and the community spirit that made it possible. Under his leadership, Adelante has emerged as one of the top-performing bilingual schools in California, earning recognition as a California Distinguished School in 2025.
“In just three years, our students’ Language Arts proficiency rose from 19% to 52%, and Math from 26% to 58% — more than doubling our pre-pandemic levels,” said Bolívar. “Those numbers represent more than academic progress; they reflect the resilience, dedication, and belief that define our community. Adelante’s success proves that when families, teachers, and students come together around a shared vision, bilingual education becomes not only powerful, but transformative.”
For longtime first grade teacher Graciela Rodríguez, who has been at Adelante for 24 years, the school’s impact goes far beyond academics.
“Adelante shows what’s possible when education honors both language and culture,” said Rodríguez. “Our students aren’t just learning two languages — they’re developing confidence, compassion, and a deep sense of identity. That’s the true impact of dual-language education.”
Among those inspired by that mission is Daisy Cruz Dominguez, a member of Adelante’s inaugural graduating class. Now a bilingual mental health professional working toward licensure, Cruz Dominguez provides therapy and support to children and families in Santa Barbara.
“Adelante didn’t just teach me two languages — it taught me to believe in myself,” said Cruz Dominguez. “Those words, sí se puede, have stayed with me through every challenge — from being the first in my family to go to college to earning my master’s degree. Now, as a bilingual therapist, I use both languages to help families heal, connect, and feel seen.”
Adelante also expressed heartfelt gratitude to its anniversary sponsors, whose generosity made the evening possible:
VISIONARY: El Zarpe
CHAMPION: Familia Casillas & Csordas, Chaucer’s Books, Coastline Construction & Concrete Inc., Sheila & Thomas Cullen, Andy & Amy Gil, Janie & Rob Guillermo, Judy Guillermo-Newton & Kent Newton, Victoria Juarez & Matthew Mooney, Monique Limón & Michael Medel, Montecito Bank & Trust, Raeanne Napoleon & Craig Keasler, Natalie Orfalea Foundation, The Rucker Family, Steya Event Decor
AMBASSADOR: Affordable Housing Access, Arturo’s Barbershop, Miguel Avila, Ken Brown, Future Leaders of America, Law Offices of McCarty & Kroes, Vicky Reese, Jack & Debbie Rivas, RLS Pacific Builders
Adelante announced a $20,000 matching grant, offering donors the opportunity to double their impact. Gifts can still be made through the school’s website at www.adelantecharter.org to support programs that help bilingual students thrive academically and culturally.
For more information, visit www.adelantecharter.org.