SDCOE Students Across the County Celebrate Graduation

The San Diego County Office of Education's (SDCOE) Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS) offer students personalized learning environments where students are seen and valued, feel a sense of belonging, and have the support and opportunity to participate in experiences that transform their lives. 

Most students in JCCS have overcome significant challenges to complete their schooling, making every graduation that much more special for our students and families. 

Since May, nearly 100 students from JCCS have celebrated this milestone at ceremonies across the county.

At 37ECB, families and community partners held celebratory balloons and bouquets for graduates while they waited for the ceremony to begin in the school’s visual arts space. Backstage, students hugged, took selfies, and exchanged high-fives with each other and their teachers and school leaders as they waited to begin the ceremony.

Jaime, who plans to join the military after graduation, said his favorite part about school was the sense of belonging he felt when he walked onto campus.

“For sure, it’s the community. Like, once you walk in, you might feel a little not connected or related to anyone here, but once you start putting time into it, once you put in the effort, you're going to see that these people are just trying to help you out,” he said. “They guided me to so much help and opportunities that now I see myself in a better future.”

Jacella, a graduate at Monarch School, felt similarly after her 11 years at Monarch. 

“Coming to Monarch gave me a safe place to be,” Jacella said. “Growing up with all of the teachers and staff members here, having them as a support system and a home, really brought me a lot of joy,” she said. 

Jacella joined 13 other students to celebrate their graduation from Monarch School. The class collectively completed 27 college courses while still in high school and earned thousands of dollars in scholarships.  

At San Pasqual Academy, the first of its kind residential living facility for students in foster care, SDCOE leadership and staff were joined by county partners, Friends of San Pasqual Academy members, and keynote speaker Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel to salute the graduates. 

“Your perseverance is what has led to this moment,” Dr. Patel told the graduates. “You have strength, talent, and courage to succeed. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” she said. 

Following Dr. Patel, County partner Rite of Passage, Friends of San Pasqual Academy, and several students shared remarks. Rite of Passage also recognized one student with the citizenship award for demonstrating growth, resilience, and a commitment to their future, and gifted them a new car. 

Justus, a San Pasqual Academy graduate, reminded his fellow graduates that second chances are possible. 

“If there is one thing people take away from my story, it’s this: Your mistakes don't have to be the end of your story. No matter where you've been and what you’ve done, it's possible to change and become somebody better,” Justus said. “Thank you to everyone — this diploma has my name on it, but it represents the support, love, faith, and encouragement of so many people in my life.”

In JCCS’ North Region, it was standing room only to celebrate 10 graduates. Each of the students shared short remarks about their journey and expressed gratitude for the family members, friends, and staff members who helped them graduate. 

“I’m feeling good, just ready for the next steps in life,” said Jordan, a North Region student. “I know they are going to be big but I’m ready for them. Anything is able to be accomplished.”

He shared that the support he received from the staff was instrumental in his success.

“They taught me to never give up. Even if you get knocked down, go to jail, you can always bounce back and graduate on time,” he said. 

Jordan’s mom, Jessica, said she was proud of her son for achieving this milestone. 

“This is an awesome feeling,” she said. “I’m proud, excited to see what he does in the future, and the impact that he is going to make.”

For South County Community School students, friends and relatives of seven graduates made sure the students felt celebrated with consistent cheers and woot-woots throughout the hour-long ceremony.

Like many JCCS graduations, this South County celebration featured a rose ceremony in which the graduates share a rose with someone special in attendance, which could include parents, siblings, or teachers.

Several moms in the audience received roses, as did teacher Tim Kobayashi, who was a guiding presence for many of the graduates. 

For student Jayden, Mr. Kobayashi made a significant impact on him and his family. 

“I’m feeling good — I didn’t think I would get to today, but I had a teacher that helped me graduate,” Jayden said.

His mom Jessica agreed.

“Mr. Tim is amazing; Ms. Jessica (Codallos Zarate) is always open and very helpful,” she said “I don’t think we could have done it without Mr. Tim and Ms. Jessica.”

In addition to these ceremonies, SDCOE hosted graduations for students at Southwest Prep, Global Academy, Cuyamaca Prep, East County Community School, Project SAFE, Youth Transition Campus, East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, Lindsay Community School, and will host one at Bayside Community School in August.