🎓 2025 Graduate Alina Ceja Delgado

Alina immersed herself in student life from day one. She joined the badminton team as a freshman, became varsity captain for three years, and built lasting bonds on and off the court. In the classroom, she pursued the Seal of Biliteracy through the DLI program—an experience she describes as a gift of community, growth, and perspective. “We are able to smoothly flow like water through different languages,” she told classmates in her speech. “This water is essential to nourish your garden.”

That garden of growth extended to Napa High’s marching band, where Alina served as a color guard veteran and, most recently, a majorette. Performing at football games and university parades—including UC Berkeley, her future home—fueled her love for connecting with and inspiring others. “The thrill of performing is just unmatched.”

As Student Body President, Alina coordinated rallies, spirit weeks, and senior events—channeling the energy of her role models to ensure her peers felt supported and seen. “I know that I’m giving people a good experience they might not have gotten otherwise,” she shared. Her efforts to uplift others through student leadership mirror NVUSD’s commitment to a culture of belonging and kindness on every campus.

Whether in leadership, language, or public advocacy, Alina has embraced the real-world learning and equity-driven opportunities central to NVUSD’s Strategic Plan. That same dedication to equity led her beyond campus. In 2023, Alina was selected as a semifinalist for the California State Board of Education’s student board member position, where she joined statewide student leaders to advocate for restorative justice practices. “It was life altering,” she said of the experience. She was also selected to serve on the Napa Valley Unified School District’s Student Advisory Council. 

In her powerful graduation speech, Alina urged her peers to remember their roots: “The soil, which is the people that have cared for you… has helped you blossom into everything you are meant to be.” Quoting poet Pablo Neruda, she reminded them, “Podrán cortar todas las flores, pero no podrán detener la primavera.” (You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming.)

This fall, Alina will attend UC Berkeley, continuing her journey of advocacy and leadership. She carries with her the spirit of her family, the lessons of her teachers, and a legacy of making space for others to thrive.

We’re proud to celebrate Alina’s accomplishments and look forward to the many seeds she’ll plant in the seasons ahead.

Alina’s journey is a vivid example of NVUSD’s vision for preparing students to thrive—and contribute meaningfully—in a changing world.