In an online ceremony yesterday, the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) recognized the Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School class of 2021, with seven students graduating. The school educates students with disabilities who were referred by local school districts. The 7th- through 12th-grade students receive highly structured behavioral support, in combination with a strong vocational/transitional/school-to-world emphasis.
Principal Lauren Roth was assisted in recognizing the students by Special Education Director Michael Kast, Teacher in Charge Nick Papagiannopoulos, and Program Specialist Paulette Abegglen. Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon also congratulated the graduates via a video message.
“While this is a virtual celebration, the pride we feel for you is real,” the County Superintendent told students. “We know how hard you’ve worked to reach this goal of earning your diploma. Graduation is an important step in your life journey, but remember this is just one—and only one—of many milestones you will reach during your lives.”
Sacramento motivational speaker Kevin Bracy addressed the students passionately during the ceremony. As the guest speaker, he encouraged the graduates to consider how they could keep moving their lives forward as they left school. He told them about his daughter’s dream of moving to Los Angeles to become a star. After three years of unsuccessful auditions, her persistence finally paid off when she was selected to be a dancer performing with singer Beyoncé, which led to a successful dancing career. “Don't wait to get started; get started while you're in a place of momentum. This energy you can use,” Bracy encouraged the graduates.