Wearing caps and gowns, and surrounded by jubilant family members, friends and teachers, three exceptional graduates received their certificates of completion earned through a Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) program for high school students and young adults with severe disabilities.
During the December 19 ceremony at the David P. Meaney Education Center, students began their transition to other educational or job-training programs in their local communities. The ceremony honored the following students:
From CSUS Young Adult Program (Shawn O'Briant, Teacher)
- Mitchell Pippin
From Galt High School (Cathy Goodrich, Teacher)
- Jessica Freeman
From Monterey Trail High School (Michele Glorioso, Teacher)
- Erika Joy
The graduates represent SCOE programs in the Elk Grove Unified School District, the Galt Joint Union High School District, and at Sacramento State University. Students have received special education and other services from SCOE since they were young children. Their time in their respective programs was chronicled in a special slide show produced by Program Specialist Leora Bautista-Hendricks.
Serving as emcee was Special Education Principal Carmen Walker. Certificates of completion were presented by County School Board of Education President Jacquelyn Levy and Trustees Thomaysa Glover and Greg Geeting.
As part of the SCOE Special Education Department, special education services are provided to students with severe disabilities and students with emotional disturbances, from ages 3-22 years, throughout Sacramento County. SCOE programs are located on more than 25 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 district students served by SCOE include 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) 228-2380.