On May 27, proud family members, friends, mentors, teachers, and staff cheered as students from four Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) community school programs received their high school diplomas during an outdoor ceremony.
Held in the courtyard of the Sierra Health Foundation, the ceremony acknowledged the academic achievements of 30 graduating students from SCOE community school programs at Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High School, North Area Community School, Gerber Jr./Sr. High School, and the Boys & Girls Club LINKS Academy.
Assisting County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon in presenting diplomas were Principals Lisa Alcalá and Sharon Barnes, Assistant Superintendent Matt Perry, Ed.D., and Sacramento County Board of Education Trustees Eleanor L. Brown, Ed.D., Greg Geeting, and Brian M. Rivas. The keynote speaker was Chet Hewitt, President and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation.
Community schools provide an alternative educational program for at-risk students from Sacramento County school districts who have been expelled or display behavioral problems. The schools provide core academics and interventions that are aligned with education standards. 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.