Celebrating the Graduating Class of 2026: Lucia Alcantar

Lucia Alcantar ’26 (MEd) is graduating this year with a master’s degree in education from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences.

Alcantar was born and raised in Culver City. She credits her inspiration to become a teacher to both family and early classroom experiences.

“I grew up in a family with some educators in it, particularly my grandma, who was a teacher and principal in El Salvador,” she said. “But I think what really made me want to be a teacher were my past teachers, who had such a wonderful impact on my life, and I knew I wanted to impact others like how they impacted me.”

Choosing SOLES was a natural fit.

“I felt like its mission really aligned with my values, and I felt like it was the perfect place for me to learn how to be a good teacher,” she said.

For Alcantar, the most rewarding moments come in the classroom.

“You see that light bulb just happen in their eyes, and you see that they get it.”

Now, as graduation nears, she says she has mixed emotions but is overall excited for what comes next.