On June 13, 2025, Rancho Cielo marked a significant milestone—not just in its own history, but in the lives of 77 young people who crossed the graduation stage. We celebrated our largest graduating class ever, a fitting achievement for our 25th anniversary year.
In partnership with John Muir Charter Schools, the graduation ceremony honored students from all of Rancho Cielo’s vocational programs. The mood was electric—equal parts pride, reflection and raw emotion.
Rancho Cielo Founder Judge John Phillips reminded everyone what the heart of this place really is.
“[The students] develop a great deal of self-esteem and self-confidence they never had before,” he said. “To me, that’s more important than just the diploma.”
And that mindset—of growth beyond academics—has been central to Rancho Cielo’s success.
CEO Chris Devers put the numbers into focus: nearly every single graduate this year has already made a post-graduation plan, either to continue their education, enter the workforce or join the military. He emphasized Rancho Cielo’s unique model, which offers its programs at no cost, thereby removing financial barriers and opening real doors for students who are ready to take their future seriously.
“It’s one of the first times in their young lives that they get to make that kind of choice, which is directly related to their career path and their life path,” Devers said.
This year, Rancho Cielo also added another standout to its program offerings: a Classic Car Restoration track, launched with the help of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Devers called it one of a kind in the region.
“There is no other program in the area teaching these technical skills to the next generation,” he said. “In an area known for its strong connection to classic cars, Rancho Cielo students are gaining an edge with valuable technical expertise, while helping keep the craft of restoring vintage vehicles alive.”
The ceremony also featured a powerful keynote from Salinas Police Chief Carlos Acosta: “Let your past and your present be a badge of honor.”
Few embodied that message more clearly than student speaker Daniel Cortez from the Construction & Sustainable Design Academy. His story didn’t pull punches.
“One major turning point in my life was being incarcerated,” Cortez told the crowd. “Nothing hit me harder than seeing the pain in my mom’s eyes when she came to visit me. Seeing her that way broke something inside me. I realized how deeply my choices were hurting the people who loved me most. That moment forced me to rethink everything. I began to see my future differently, and most importantly, I discovered something within me that I hadn’t felt in a long time: determination.”
This graduation wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a statement. It was proof that transformation is possible and that, when given the right tools and support, young people can and will rise to the challenge, regardless of what is happening in their lives.
Rancho Cielo didn’t just graduate 77 students this year. It helped launch 77 new chapters. And 25 years in, it’s clearer than ever: this place is building more than futures—it’s building momentum.
