The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) proudly presented high school diplomas to 157 SCOE students yesterday. The graduates were from multiple SCOE Community School and Senior Extension Program sites. The graduation was held at the Sacramento Scottish Rite Center where parents cheered excitedly as students walked across the stage.
Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon commended the graduates. “I know that most of you, if not all, have faced many challenges. For some, it’s been an uphill battle to get here today,” he said. “But look at what you have accomplished. You have overcome adversity. You have elevated yourselves above the challenges. And you worked hard to remove barriers and obstacles.” Superintendent Gordon encouraged the graduates to apply for one of the Gary K. Hart Resiliency Scholarships for up to $1,000. The financial assistance helps students who have completed SCOE programs pursue higher education opportunities and vocational training beyond high school.
Retired Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn delivered the commencement address. He talked about the challenges and tragedies he’d overcome to become a successful Sacramento leader. Thanking educators for making education available to all people, he offered the graduates three pieces of inspiring advice: never let anybody tell you that you can’t achieve something, allow caring people to help, and always work hard. “Our community, our country, our city needs you…just as much as you need the community,” he said. “Work hard, contribute to society, and by all means chase your dreams!”
Sacramento County Board of Education President Paul Keefer, Vice President Heather Davis, and Trustees Alfred Brown and Bina Lefkovitz helped Superintendent Gordon, Deputy Superintendent Nancy Herota, and SCOE administrators present the diplomas. The Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium (SECC), which provides educational programming via local cable television, recorded the ceremony and provided a live video feed.
Portraits were taken of students after they received their diplomas and are being provided to them free of charge. Graduates should contact their teacher or principal for any questions about obtaining portraits.
About the Community Schools Program and Senior Extension
Community school programs provide an alternative education program for students, who may be referred by Sacramento County school districts, School Attendance Review Boards, or the Sacramento County Probation Department. Community schools provide core academics and interventions aligned with education standards, along with additional support, counseling, and the opportunity for career exploration and career technical education courses.
SCOE’s community school sites also serve as hubs for the Senior Extension Program. Senior Extension re-engages students who are in jeopardy of dropping out of high school or have been out of school and want to return to complete their graduation requirements. The program involves a combination of independent study and classroom work. Students earn credits while still fulfilling work and family obligations—things that might otherwise have prevented them from completing their high school education. Senior Extension is offered at SCOE’s Colley, Hickey, and North Area Community School sites, as well as the Cordova Lane Center.