It was a celebration of achievement when proud family members, friends, mentors and teachers cheered on students from four Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) community school programs during a June 14 diploma ceremony.
Held in the courtyard of the Sierra Health Foundation, the ceremony acknowledged the academic achievements of 21 students graduating from Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High School, North Area Community School, Gerber Jr. /Sr. High School, and LINKS Academy at Boys and Girls Club.
In addressing the graduating classes, County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon told the students to be proud of their achievements and to show gratitude to those who helped them reach their goals.
"Through our programs, we hope you found the direction you needed to get on the right track. You had extra support, mentoring, career development, and career training, as well as an entire team of teachers and staff cheering you on every step of the way," Superintendent Gordon told the graduates.
Assisting Superintendent Gordon in awarding diplomas were Sacramento County Board of Education President Greg Geeting and Vice President Jacquelyn Levy. Assistant Superintendent Matt Perry, Ed.D.; Director of Student Programs, Juvenile Court Schools Marc Nigel; and Community School Principals Lisa Alcalá and Sharon Douglas were also on hand to honor the students.
SCOE community school students have the opportunity to benefit from enrollment in the LINKS program, a groundbreaking career technical education model aimed at helping high-risk students succeed. Services are tailored to individual students based on their specific needs instead of through traditional, scripted education.
Sierra Health Foundation is a private philanthropic organization promoting improved health and quality of life for the people of Northern California. The foundation provides in-kind meeting and event space for nonprofit organizations through its Conference and Convening Program, welcoming thousands of guests annually.
Following the diploma ceremony, family members, friends, mentors, school faculty and staff celebrated at a reception hosted by Sierra Health Foundation.