JCCS Graduates Celebrated Across the County

More than 80 students who attend San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)’s Juvenile Court and Community Schools graduated this year, and the milestone was celebrated with ceremonies across the county. 

Each ceremony provided staff, students, and families the opportunity to offer words of wisdom, thanks, or congratulatory remarks. Several also featured a rose ceremony in which the graduates shared a rose with someone special in attendance, including parents, teachers, or siblings. 

A dozen students from three community schools in East County celebrated their graduation June 15 with a ceremony at Cuyamaca College’s Water Conservation Garden. The bleachers were packed with well-wishing family members shouting “You did it!” and “I’m proud of you!” as students talked about how their parents and teachers helped motivate them to finish high school. 

“I’m thankful for all of my teachers for helping me and not giving up on me,” said Madison, one of the graduates. “I didn’t think I would graduate, but I’m glad I did.”

Jose, another graduate, said he was proud to be the first in the family to finish high school.

“I feel like I accomplished something really big,” he said. Now he plans to learn the skills to become a professional jeweler and welder. 

Kiyah, another grad, said she was hoping to become a registered nurse. She said she was thankful for the smaller class size the community school offered. 

“The minute I went to a smaller school is the minute I got everything I needed, and had been looking for at a bigger school,” she said. 

Angel, a student at Global Academy of California, was also complimentary of his JCCS experience. “It’s a great school. There are a lot of people here willing to help and motivate you, and push you to succeed.” 

Angel took part in a separate ceremony for South County students, also on June 15. 

“It’s great to feel like I’ve accomplished something,” he shared. 

Hundreds gathered in the gym June 16 at San Pasqual Academy to celebrate the 14 graduates. Attendees watched pre-recorded thank you videos from the students and a photo montage before hearing from several students, including salutatorian Princess, who shared an inspiring speech about how her ability to adapt, change, and grow contributed to her success.