On May 17 and 18, proud family members, friends, mentors, teachers, and staff cheered as students from four Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) programs received their high school diplomas during two separate outdoor ceremonies.
Held in the courtyard of the Sierra Health Foundation, the ceremonies acknowledged the academic achievements of nearly 60 graduating students from SCOE Community schools programs at Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High School, North Area Community School, and Gerber Jr./Sr. High School, and Senior Extension Program.
Assisting County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon in presenting diplomas were Principal Lisa Alcalá, Deputy Superintendent Al Rogers, Assistant Superintendent Matt Perry, Ed.D., and Sacramento County Board of Education Trustees Joanne Ahola, O. Alfred Brown, Sr., Heather Davis, Bina Lefkovitz, Jacquelyn Levy, and Brian M. Rivas. The keynote speakers at the graduations were Rolanda Wilkins, Founder and Director of Earth Mama Healing Inc. (May 17) and Aaron Davis, of Concrete Landscape Services (May 18).
Community schools provide an alternative educational program for at-risk students from Sacramento County school districts who have been expelled or display behavioral problems. The schools provide core academics and interventions aligned with education standards. Services are tailored to individual students based on their specific needs instead of 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.