High school graduation robes and hats may seem out of place in the middle of summer, but not last week as the district held its final graduation ceremony of the school year for students who just passed the California State Exit Exam and students who completed the credits needed to graduate through summer school. Twenty-three students were awarded their diplomas at the ceremony held at Harvest Park Middle School last Friday.
“We finally made it,” said Alexandria Harper, a senior graduating from Amador Valley High School, as she addressed her class. “It took us a little longer, but we’re here.”
As of June, there were nine students in the district who had not passed the state exit exam, but had met the district’s graduation requirements. Students in this position retook the test in May and four passed the test, earning their diplomas.
“We’re just so thrilled and excited for them,” said Director of Secondary School Curriculum Dianne Howell, who was active in working with students who had not passed the state exit exam. “It’s a tribute to the students, and to the teachers who worked with them and supported them. This is a very meaningful ceremony for these students who persevered.”
The five students who did not pass the exit exam received Certificates of Recognition from the district, showing they had met the district’s standards. One student plans on retaking the test in November in hopes of earning a diploma.
In June, there were six students in the district who had not passed the state exit exam and also did not have enough credits to graduate. Of those students, two passed the test during the May administration and completed the necessary credits in summer school, earning their diplomas.
Arturo Desiderio of Amador was one of those two students, and he attended the graduation ceremony along with his family.
He said he was “mostly happy” to earn his diploma through his aunt Maria Basilio who interpreted for him. Desiderio plans to attend Las Positas College in the fall where he wants to study architecture.
The majority of Friday’s graduates had previously passed the exit exam, but needed to attend summer school to complete the district’s credit requirements.
Of the 23 graduates, 19 attended the ceremony along with nearly 100 family and friends. Fourteen graduates were from Amador, seven from Foothill and two from Village.
“Today is a happy day for all of us,” said John Dwyer, principal of summer school and vice principal at Foothill, to the audience. “It’s such a mix of emotions ranging from the joy of success, to relief at finishing at last … Congratulations go to the parents, the teachers and, of course, the students.”
