Family members, friends, teachers and school staff cheered inside the crowded multipurpose room at Leo A. Palmiter High School as members of the 2013 graduating class proudly accepted their high school diplomas during a June 5 commencement ceremony. The ceremony acknowledged the academic achievements of the seven graduating students.
Principal Lauren Roth was assisted in presenting diplomas to the students by County Superintendent David W. Gordon and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Robin Pierson, along with County School Board President Greg Geeting and Vice President Jacquelyn Levy. School Psychologist Carlos Cabrera and senior class teacher Jill Zito also helped congratulate students.
"You all set personal goals and you met them," Superintendent Gordon told the students. "While you had a lot of support, you put in the hard work. No one can take that away from you. This is your accomplishment."
Excienya M. served as the student speaker. She told her fellow Palmiter graduates to realize the importance of looking forward to new experiences and embracing the changes they now face.
"Sometimes we think we know what our routines will be; but, if we are willing, we will have new opportunities open up," Excienya said. "We have all grown in different ways, and can be proud of our accomplishments."
In addition to hard work in the classroom, the 2013 Palmiter graduating class was also involved in community service projects that provided students with valuable life experiences. The graduating class participated in the Culinary Arts program, the WorkAbility program, and also volunteered at the Sacramento Food Bank.
A reception followed 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. The students are referred directly by local school districts of 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, supported by a strong vocational/transitional/school-to-world emphasis.