The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) joyously awarded high school diplomas to 132 SCOE students on December 14. The graduation ceremony took place at the Sacramento Scottish Rite Center, where enthusiastic family members and friends erupted in cheers as students confidently strode across the stage to claim their well-deserved diplomas.
Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon commended the graduates and encouraged them. “I couldn’t be prouder. 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...You are filled with energy and ability, and you are ready to take the next step. You can handle the road ahead as you are prepared to be empowered citizens.”
Superintendent Gordon urged the graduates to apply for a Gary K. Hart Resiliency Scholarship. This financial aid, offering up to $1,000, assists students who have completed SCOE programs in their pursuit of higher education opportunities or vocational training beyond high school.
Tim Jemmott took the stage to deliver the commencement address. Pastor Jemmott is a mentor for the HAWK Institute, a nonprofit educational organization founded and spearheaded by accomplished Black men that is dedicated to fostering positive change and supporting young Black males.
Sacramento County Board of Education President Bina Lefkovitz and Trustee Heather Davis joined Superintendent Gordon, Deputy Superintendent Nancy Herota, and SCOE administrators to present the diplomas.
The Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium (SECC) provided a live video broadcast of the ceremony and will air a video production of the event on January 6, 2024, at 4 p.m., and January 7, 2024, at 9 a.m., on Comcast channel 15, AT&T U-Verse channel 14, and Consolidated Communications channel 21. The video will also be shared online.
About the Community Schools and Senior Extension Programs
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.