Family members, friends, teachers and school staff cheered inside the crowded multipurpose room at Leo A. Palmiter High School as members of the 2012 graduating class proudly accepted their high school diplomas during a June 6 commencement ceremony.
The ceremony acknowledged the academic achievements of the ten graduating students. Speakers repeatedly returned to a simple message: with good choices and hard work, anything is possible.
Principal Lauren Roth was assisted in presenting diplomas to the students by Deputy Superintendent Sue Stickel, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Robin Pierson, and County Board of Education Trustees Greg Geeting and Jacquelyn Levy.
Palmiter School Social Worker Gary Barker also helped recognize the students who, in turn, joined in recognizing him. Mr. Barker is retiring after 39 years of serving SCOE students and their families.
In addition to hard work inside the classroom, members of the 2012 Palmiter graduating class were involved in community service projects that provided valuable life experiences. Graduating students had also participated in the Woodturning Club, the WorkAbility Program, and the Entrepreneurship Program, in addition to volunteering in classroom programs that serve SCOE students with special needs.
Family members, friends, mentors, school faculty, and staff applauded the graduates and celebrated at a reception following the graduation.
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. The students are referred directly from local school districts in Sacramento County that are unable to provide the more highly structured behavioral support program available at Palmiter. Students are provided with a standards-based educational program that is supported by a strong vocational/transitional/school-to-world emphasis.