Five students from El Centro Jr./Sr. High School, which is located inside the Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility (Juvenile Hall), received diplomas at a ceremony on June 21. With determination and support, the students chose a path that allowed them to complete their graduation requirements. The students are also able to simultaneously earn college credits through the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) dual enrollment program.
This month’s ceremony brings the total number of El Centro graduates to 37 for the 2022–23 school year. Graduations are scheduled bimonthly to give all students the opportunity to be recognized when they earn their high school diploma.
School staff, probation officers, family, and friends cheered as the young adults proudly accepted their diplomas. Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon congratulated the graduates and Sacramento County Board of Education Trustee O. Alfred Brown, Sr. helped present them with their diplomas.
Principal Barbara Modlin crafts unique messages for each of the graduates, challenging them to use their hard-earned education to the fullest. “Everyone’s journey is unique, embedded with lessons to be learned along the way. I hope you never lose your spark,” Modlin said in one of her addresses. “As you venture into the world, remember that change begins with you. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead, and take advantage of every opportunity to keep learning and growing.”
About the Juvenile Court School Program
SCOE operates El Centro Jr./Sr. High School with support and supervision from the Sacramento County Probation Department. The school is WASC-accredited and operates year-round using state-adopted curricula. It provides each student with the educational support needed to transition back to a comprehensive high school, alternative school setting, earn their high school or HiSET (High School Equivalency) diploma, participate in career technical education (CTE) courses, or enroll in a vocational training program or community college. To help each student meet their goals, SCOE transition specialists develop individual “Student Success Plans” that ensure they receive support that positions them for success upon their release.