What began as a simple act of boldness from a high school senior blossomed into a history-making moment for her city.
Last week, the graduating class of Compton High School got an unforgettable surprise when former Vice President Kamala Harris made an unannounced appearance at their commencement ceremony. As the graduates walked across the stage at the school’s brand-new football stadium, Harris sat among district officials and community leaders, witnessing every handshake, hug, and tear-filled triumph, CBS News reports.
She didn’t formally speak at the event, but her presence alone echoed louder than any speech could. The moment was sparked months earlier by graduating senior Myshay Causey, who saw Harris’ husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, dining at a restaurant where she worked. Determined not to miss her moment, MyShay wrote a heartfelt letter, addressed to “The Harris Family,” describing her work on local campaigns, her role on the Compton Unified School Board, and her passion for education policy. She ended the letter with a humble invitation: Come to my graduation.
“While I hope this message doesn’t cross the line of professionalism… I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to speak on the class act and inspiration you’ve been, especially to young Black girls like myself,” Myshay wrote.
Moved by the message, Harris responded to Myshay with a phone call and a promise she would keep. That promise became real when she arrived in Compton and joined the ceremony, taking photos with graduates and showing the Class of 2025 what it looks like when dreams and action meet purpose.
On social media, Harris shared, “We spoke on the phone, and she invited me to attend Compton High School’s graduation. It was my honor to attend her ceremony today and celebrate the outstanding Class of 2025… I love Gen Z. I love their passion, their leadership, and their impatience for change. And I know our future is bright because of Myshay, her classmates, and young leaders across our nation.”
Compton Unified School District later posted video highlights of the day, capturing the pride on students’ faces and the unmistakable energy of a city witnessing something special. According to the district, Myshay was one of the 87% of graduating seniors accepted into college, with students heading to institutions like Cornell, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC Irvine.
But beyond the college acceptances and the ceremonies, this was about something deeper, a reminder that when young people are seen, supported, and celebrated, they move mountains. Myshay saw a chance and took it. Kamala Harris saw potential and showed up. Together, they created a moment that will live in Compton’s history.
Let this be a note to the next generation: your voice matters, your vision is powerful, and you are more than worthy of the rooms and stadiums you dream of filling.