On June 5, proud family members, friends, mentors, and teachers cheered as students from four Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) community school programs received their high school diplomas during a special outdoor ceremony.
Held in the courtyard of the Sierra Health Foundation, the ceremony acknowledged the academic achievements of 23 graduating students from Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High School, North Area Community School, Gerber Jr./Sr. High School, and the Boys and Girls Club LINKS Academy.
In addressing the graduates, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon told the students to be proud of their achievements. "While you had a lot of support along the way, you did the heavy lifting. No one can take that away from you," Superintendent Gordon told the graduates. "What you have achieved puts you on the same level as high school graduates everywhere."
Assisting Superintendent Gordon in the presentation of diplomas were Principals Lisa Alcalá and Sharon Douglas, Sacramento County Board of Education President Jacquelyn Levy, and Trustee Greg Geeting. Also on hand to congratulate students were Board Trustee Thomaysa Glover and Assistant Superintendent Matt Perry.
The community school students benefitted from SCOE's LINKS Education Model, a groundbreaking career technical education philosophy aimed at helping high-risk students succeed. Services are tailored to individual students based on their specific needs instead of 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 the Sierra Health Foundation.