It was a celebration of achievement when proud family members, friends, mentors and teachers cheered on students from five Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) community school programs during a June 18 diploma ceremony.
Held at the Sierra Health Foundation, the ceremony acknowledged the academic achievements of 23 students graduating from the Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High School, North Area Community School, Gerber Jr./Sr. High School, Morgan Jr./Sr. High School, and the Boys & Girls Club LINKS Academy.
In addressing the graduating classes, Sacramento 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.
"When this ceremony is over, I hope our graduates will do me a favor. Please tell your teachers, your counselors, and your family members 'thank you.' But don't just thank them with your words. Thank them with your actions, by continuing to make good choices. Tell them 'thank you' by continuing to work hard," Superintendent Gordon told the graduates.
Assisting Superintendent Gordon in the presentation of diplomas were Sacramento County Board of Education Trustees Jackie Levy and Greg Geeting. Also on hand to congratulate the students was Deputy Superintendent Sue Stickel, Assistant Superintendent Tim Taylor and Sierra Health Foundation CEO Chet Hewitt, who served as the commencement keynote speaker.
SCOE community school students have the opportunity to benefit from enrollment in the LINKS program, a 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.