Sixty two students received certificates during the Gilroy Adult
Education School graduation ceremony June 3 at the Gilroy High
School Theater.
Sixty two students received certificates during the Gilroy Adult Education School graduation ceremony June 3 at the Gilroy High School Theater.
The school has seen an increasing number of graduates despite being forced to reduce staff and charge admission fees for the first time this year, said Alma Quintana, the principal of the Adult School, during her graduation speech.
In 2009, Gilroy Adult Education had 36 graduates, and in 2010 they had 46 graduates. In addition, 42 high school students enrolled to make up course work and receive credits so they could graduate on time with their high school graduation class.
“Gilroy Adult Education has always quietly prepared adult students in completing their education and obtaining their diploma,” Quintana said. “I emphasize the word quietly – without fanfare – without recognition – the Gilroy Adult Education staff educates and helps students complete their high school diploma or pass their GED.”
Many of the students enrolled in the program face personal hardships like having to care for families, work two jobs or even are homeless, Quintana said.
“We value education and want to protect the educational opportunities for our own children and the children of this community,” she said. “In our view point the strength of the family is correlated to the strength of the adults, parents or guardians to provide for the families they lead. We must continue to provide adult students with the educational opportunity to improve their future.”
