The summer before his senior year, Dillan found himself homeless. Determined to graduate on time and with the classmates he grew up with, he spent months bouncing between friends’ couches and his coach’s guest room.

Smart, upbeat, and a standout on the football and basketball teams, Dillan was doing his best—but it wasn’t easy.

Things started to change when Dillan was invited to move into SBCS’ housing program for young adults, where he’s had a dorm-style apartment of his own since last September. With support from his case manager, Fatima, he enrolled in benefits, got a bus pass, and found a sense of family during community meals and holiday celebrations with other young residents.

With his basic needs met and a strong support system behind him, Dillan proudly graduated from Castle Park High School on June 6th.

Dillan was accepted to San Diego State University and will start classes in the fall, majoring in History. He’s excited to move in early to participate in the prestigious Guardian Scholars Bridge Program, which helps homeless, foster, and other vulnerable youth prepare academically and adjust to college life.

“When school starts in the fall,” Dillan said, grinning, “I’ll be ten steps ahead while everyone else is still figuring out what’s going on!” 

Already thinking years ahead, Dillan signed up to join the Air Force ROTC at SDSU and hopes to attend officer candidate school after college. Eventually, he wants to become a teacher—and, of course, a coach. 

From all of us at SBCS: Congratulations to our 2025 high school and college graduates! Your future is bright and we can’t wait to see what you make of it.