Graduations aren’t just about caps, gowns, and diplomas. For many graduates, they're a celebration of resilience. When students overcome personal, academic, and systemic challenges, moving the tassel from right to left symbolizes more than valediction—it represents growth, perseverance, and new opportunities. On May 23, 147 dedicated students celebrated this milestone when the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) awarded high school diplomas to the Class of 2025 at the Sacramento Scottish Rite Center.
The event was filled with warmth and pride as students from SCOE Community School and Senior Extension Program sites walked across the stage to receive their hard-earned diplomas. They were greeted by cheers and applause from family members, friends, educators, and community supporters—all gathered to honor their achievements.
Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon encouraged the graduates to apply for a $1,000 Gary K. Hart Resiliency Scholarship, which provides financial assistance for further education and vocational training beyond high school.
Students, guests, and SCOE staff were honored to have Dr. Art Pimentel, Folsom Lake College President, address the Class of 2025: “I believe that each of you has faced uncertainty countless times throughout your educational journey, and you are here today because you have found a way forward. There is no doubt you are prepared to meet the challenge ahead.”
Sacramento County Board of Education President O. Alfred Brown, Sr., and Trustee Vanessa D. Caigoy, MBA, joined Superintendent Gordon and SCOE administrators to present the diplomas.
SCOE partnered with the Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium (SECC) to provide a live video broadcast of the ceremony.
About the Community School and Senior Extension Programs
SCOE’s Community School sites 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. The schools also serve as hubs for SCOE’s Senior Extension Program. Students earn credits while still fulfilling work and family obligations—things that might otherwise have prevented them from completing their high school education.