As young mothers, new immigrants and older adults savored their Adult School graduation ceremony, Superintendent Barry Groves told them why they should be proud.
“Some students only reach for what is attainable,” he said. “You have the ability to reach for what is achievable.” Many students, he added, would have given up had they faced the same challenges.
Sentiments like these were repeated throughout the ceremony last Thursday as administrators, trustees and teachers celebrated the accomplishments of the 70 students who received their GEDs and the 32 who graduated with a high school diploma. Sixteen additional students completed coursework for their diploma at the Adult School, but received diplomas from their home high school in the district.
The school offers high school graduation programs, along with courses to prepare students for the General Education Development (GED) test, which tests students on their basic skills.
Before it was time for the graduates to turn their tassels, Adult School director Laura Stefanski acknowledged the teachers and their hard work helping students earn certificates and diplomas. This was a tough year for the Adult School, which sent out pink slips to many teachers this spring as it prepared to slash 20 percent of its budget.
After a short ceremony for scholarship recipients, several of the students shared their stories with the dozens of family members, friends and supporters present.
Now that they’ve received their GED diploma, Jennifer and Carlos Castro, husband and wife, said they have already enrolled in community college. Growing up in the Los Angeles community of Watts, Carlos said he became involved in gangs.
“Young people sold drugs and they always had money,” he said.
He said that Jennifer “made him straight,” and they now wanted to set a good example for their two children.
“We are proud to be graduating in front of our children,” Jennifer said. “To show our children going to school is important.”
