Family members, friends, and teachers cheered inside the crowded multipurpose room at Leo A. Palmiter High School as members of the 2010 graduating class proudly accepted their high school diplomas during a June 3rd commencement ceremony.
The ceremony acknowledged the academic achievements of the thirteen graduating students. In addressing the graduates, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon offered congratulations and praise.
"Congratulations for having the courage to stay in school, work hard, and realize your goal of earning your high school diploma," Superintendent Gordon told the graduates. "Congratulations for having the courage to take that next step, whatever it is: work, the military, or college. Please remember that every big step you take in life requires courage."
Principal Lauren Roth was assisted in presenting diplomas to the students by Superintendent Gordon, County School Board Trustee Greg Geeting, Deputy Superintendent Marty Cavanaugh, Assistant Superintendent Robin Pierson, and Palmiter School Social Worker Gary Barker.
In addition to hard work inside the classroom, the 2010 Palmiter graduating class was also involved in a number of community service projects that provided the students with valuable life experiences. The graduating class participated in Graduation by Exhibition, volunteered at the Del Paso Food Locker, adopted seniors at the Carlton Plaza Senior Home, and represented their school in SCOE's second annual Academic Bowl.
"Graduates, you have finished high school with pride, with honor, and with great expectations for the future," Assistant Superintendent Pierson told the graduates. "You finished school. You accomplished your goal."
Senior class teacher and student council advisor Michaelann Boyle proudly announced that each member of the 2010 Palmiter graduating class has academic plans for the future.
"I am proud to say each senior is enrolled in American River College and each senior will begin college in the fall," Mrs. Boyle said while choking back tears.
The commencement ceremony featured two student speakers who shared stories of their school experiences and offered words of encouragement to their fellow graduates.
"We have shed the shells of our old selves and have grown a new shell," said graduating senior Ian Reynolds.
Student Body President David Bracken brought laugher to the assembly when he said, "To all Palmiter graduates remember the tassel is worth the hassle!"
Family members, friends, mentors, school faculty and staff cheered the graduates and celebrated at a reception following the ceremony.
Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School provides education to special needs students with the primary disability of Emotional Disturbance (ED) in grades 7–12. Services meet the unique educational, behavioral, and mental health needs of the students. The students are referred directly from the local school districts of Sacramento County that are unable to provide the more highly structured behavioral support program available at Palmiter. The students receive site counseling from the school social worker and site-based mental therapy from Sacramento County Mental Health. In addition, students are provided a standards-based educational program that is supported by a strong vocational/transitional/school-to-world emphasis.