SDCOE Graduates Celebrate Achievements at Ceremonies Across the County

More than 75 students at San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) school programs participated in graduation ceremonies this month, celebrating their strength and perseverance in accomplishing this significant milestone. 

Young people in SDCOE’s special education and juvenile court and community schools often have unique challenges and barriers, but in our programs, they find individualized supports, caring educators and staff members, and a pathway to success.

While each graduation ceremony is specially designed for the community, the common thread is the sense of belonging — of each student heard, seen, and honored by the adults in their school. 

Stephen Gotowala, principal at North County Academy, addressed a small crowd of students and families earlier this month at their graduation.  
 
“There were days when things felt too tight, too hard. Days filled with challenges, frustration, setbacks, and growing pains. But instead of shutting down or staying stuck, you leaned into the discomfort, you showed up, you asked for help, and you tried again, and again, and again. That’s courage. That’s resilience. That’s what growth looks like,” he said. 

Senior Evelyn said she could not have graduated without support from the school, which provides an integrated, therapeutic approach to education for students with mental health needs. It is operated by the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education SELPA in affiliation with SDCOE.

“I feel like not just with education, we move forward with mental health and all that, and I feel like I got to a certain point by just being here at school, which was amazing, because I got to do two things at once. I don’t think I could have done it without them,” Evelyn shared.

Graduation ceremonies across Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS) were spirited, supportive, and full of cheers and encouragement.

More than 25 graduates from 37ECB and JCCS East Region schools celebrated their graduation at the downtown central library.
 
Several of the students shared that their nervousness about graduation was mixed with a sense of pride for their accomplishments. 

“I got to where I wanted to be so I’m glad to be here and feel proud,” said Israel, a student at East County Community School. 

Aaliyah, a graduate from SAFE East, shared that getting sober was her biggest accomplishment. 

“I wouldn’t be here today if that hadn’t happened.” 

A traditional part of the graduation is the JCCS rose ceremony where the graduates recognize the support of someone special in attendance with a rose, including parents, teachers, and siblings. Each student took the opportunity to address the audience personally and thank their family, friends, and staff members who supported them in their journey.

At SDCOE’s Monarch School, a K-12 school for youth experiencing homelessness, 17 students received their diplomas in a gym packed with families, staff, and younger Monarch School students. 

“I’m proud of how far I’ve come not just academically, but personally,” said Monarch School graduate Daphne. “High school wasn’t always easy, but I stayed true to myself and worked hard to get to this moment.”

After graduation, Daphne said she is looking forward to new places, new people, and new opportunities.

At Friendship School, our two graduates, both at age 22, have completed the school program for students with multiple, severe disabilities. SDCOE operates the school program affiliated with the South County Special Education Local Plan Area.

Surrounded by balloons, family and staff, John and Mariela wore their cap and gowns proudly as they received certificates of completion. 

Additional schools that celebrated their graduates this month included: San Pasqual Academy, North County Tech Academy, Innovations Academy of Empowerment, Escondido Community School, SOUL Academy, Bayside Community School, Career Technical Education Center, and Lindsay Community School.