Family members, teachers, and guests applauded as six Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) students were awarded certificates of completion on December 15. The students are graduates of SCOE's program for high school and young adults with disabilities who are marking the transition to other educational or job-training programs in their local communities.
The graduation ceremony was held at the County Office's David P. Meaney Education Center in honor of the following:
From Galt High School (Cathy Goodrich, Teacher)
- Gustavo Chavez
From Jesse Baker School (Frances Montemurro, Teacher)
- Francisco Diaz
- Caree Jones
From SCOE's program at Sacramento State University (Shawn O'Briant, Teacher)
- Angelo Cervantes
- Thao Chye
From Inderkum High School (Bernadette Kerwin, Teacher)
- Ashley Ree-Barnett
"We are all very proud of you. This ceremony validates the belief that everyone has value and that everyone has something to offer," County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon told students, their families, and attendees.
The students represent SCOE programs in the Elk Grove Unified School District, the Natomas Unified School District, the Galt Joint Union High School District, and Sacramento State University. Many of the students have received special education and other services from SCOE since they were young children.
"Today is a special event during a lifelong journey. It's the end of one chapter and the beginning of another," said Robin Pierson, Assistant Superintendent, Special Education. "We will each be changed forever, not just because of today's event but the culmination of this journey in education. You, students, have given us the opportunity to teach and you have taught us."
Serving as master of ceremonies was Special Education Principal Carmen Walker, and certificates of completion were presented by County School Board Trustees Eleanor L. Brown, Ed.D., Jacquelyn Levy, Brian Rivas, and Greg Geeting. A slide show was presented by Program Specialist Leora Bautista-Hendricks.
As part of the SCOE Special Education Department, the SH (severely handicapped) program provides special education services to students with severe disabilities and students with emotional disturbances, from ages 3–22 years, throughout Sacramento County. SCOE SH programs are located on more than 35 sites/schools located in eight school districts within the county.
The Special Education Department provides special day classes for students with severe challenges (severely handicapped) or with emotional disturbances (emotionally disturbed). Other students served include district students with visual impairments, mobility needs, or speech and language disorders. Special education services are also provided at local schools operated for youth through Sacramento County Probation. SCOE's Infant Development Program provides individualized, home-based instruction and family support for infants and toddlers having special needs.
For more information about SCOE special education services, call (916) 228-2382.