Students from JCCS Receive their Diplomas

More than 100 students who attend 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. 

“The best part of my job is when I get to see all of the students graduate,” said San Diego County Board of Education Member Guadalupe González, who attended several ceremonies. 

A dozen students from community schools in South County celebrated their graduation June 16 at a ceremony attended by family, teachers, and friends in National City.

“I’m nervous but excited,” said Abegail, a student graduating from Victoria Community School. “This is a new step for my life.”

Finishing high school had not been easy, Abegail said, but she said she was proud of the work she put in and looking forward to learning about sports nutrition this fall when she starts at Southwestern College.

Coby, another graduate, said he was thankful for the teachers who helped him learn to care about school.

“The teachers were part of the big change in me,” he said. “They helped me become a better student and a better person.”

Now, Coby plans to go to San Diego City College to study biology.

The 11 graduates in the North Region expressed similar gratitude to their teachers for helping them reach this milestone. The teachers, in turn, shared their support would never diminish. 
 
“Remember this feeling of joy and happiness,” said teacher Jacqueline Smith-West. “Remember to dream big. And your JCCS family will always be here for you,” she said. 

A parent at 37ECB shared how proud she was of her son, Diego, for persevering through hard times. He was one of 15 students graduating from the school. 

“I love you and I told you I would never give up on you. And I’m glad I woke your butt up. You made it, baby.”