Perseverance and purpose were recurring themes during a commencement ceremony for hundreds of students enrolled in OCDE’s Alternative Education program, also known as ACCESS.
In all, more than 300 high schoolers from ACCESS sites across Orange County gathered Wednesday in a spacious auditorium at Mariners Church in Irvine. Wearing royal blue robes and customized caps, the class of 2023 filled rows of folding chairs near the stage as their family members, friends and teachers cheered them on and snapped photos.
“We have walked a path that has developed and exposed a part of ourselves, that has revealed wisdom and knowledge to last a lifetime, through the ACCESS program,” said Imajanai Hunter, a graduate and featured speaker. “So let’s pay it forward and show our appreciation to all who have helped us make it this far by being the very best that we can be.”
ACCESS stands for Alternative, Community and Correctional Education Schools and Services. The OCDE program provides a wide range of educational opportunities and support to thousands of secondary students each year, including many who face unique challenges and are at risk academically.
ACCESS Principals Ken Ko, Ruth Ramirez and Chris Alfieri were joined on stage by OCDE Deputy Superintendent Ramon Miramontes and Assistant Superintendent Vern Burton to congratulate each member of the class of 2023 as their names were announced. Then came the ceremonial shifting-of-the tassels, and it was officially time to celebrate.
In his remarks, Burton acknowledged that some students might have been less enthusiastic than their parents when they first embarked on their high school journeys. But to their credit, they committed to a process that enabled them to receive support from teachers, paraeducators, counselors, clinicians, school psychologists, tutors and scores of other educational partners.
“You eventually found your enthusiasm,” Burton said, “along with knowledge, growth and direction. And most importantly, you all have learned — and you may not realize it — to take ownership of your education. All of this helps you find your purpose.”
Separate ceremonies were held in June for graduates of Sunburst Youth Academy, a community high school for at-risk youth operated in partnership with the California National Guard, and Otto A. Fischer School, which serves incarcerated youth.