Some had mourned a death in the family. Others battled a severe illness or experienced homelessness. But they all had one thing in common: They found a way to succeed in school.
Last week, local members of the Association of California School Administrators held their annual “Every Student Succeeding” breakfast to celebrate dozens of students who’ve excelled in their academic pursuits despite dealing with difficult or traumatic circumstances off campus.
The March 9 event took place at Bowers Museum. The theme, fittingly, was “Student Superheroes.”
“We are so proud of each of these students,” said Dennis Cole, OCDE’s director of humanities and current president of ACSA’s Region 17. “They have excelled despite extreme difficulties and have shown us that every one of our kids can flourish if they have a spirit that won’t quit and loving adults who support them every day.”
The students who were recognized — there was one for every Orange County district — attended the breakfast with their families and educational support teams. Also on hand were district representatives, including superintendents and board members.
The Association of California School Administrators represents superintendents, principals, assistant principals and other district leaders. Event sponsors included Disneyland Resorts, which issued park passes to the honorees, and STS Education, which gave each student a Chromebook that was personally etched with his or her name.
In addition, Lakeshore Learning Materials provided medals and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union helped sponsor breakfast for the students and their families.