Brawley High School students want to honor classmates

BRAWLEY, Calif.-Friends and family of local students who have died in Brawley want to honor those students at this year's graduation ceremony.

On Wednesday night, two students asked the Brawley Union High School Board to recognize five students who have died in the last four years.

That includes Sophie Castillo Torres, who passed away after suffering a seizure during P.E. class.

They suggested that the students parents be allowed to receive diplomas on their behalf, and that photos of the deceased students be displayed during the ceremony.

The classmates said it would mean a lot to them, as they all grew up together, and they are still struggling with their losses.

This comes as the 2026 graduation tee shirt did not include the deceased student's names.

"I need an answer soon so I can tell my peers who love them who appreciate them, and also those kids had futures and they deserve to have a diploma presented to their parents," Senior Class President, Allison Juarez told KYMA.

The students say this would help make sure their classmates are remembered.

Our newsroom reached out to the Broawley Union High School Board, but comment was not returned at the time of press.