Liz Pulcheon and Rafaela Espinoza pose with Lucia Ortega. Photo by Heather Graham.
Liz Pulcheon and Rafaela Espinoza pose with Lucia Ortega. Photo by Heather Graham.
Elaine Klauer, Rafaela Espinoza, and Sharon Finley welcome graduates and their families.
Elaine Klauer, Rafaela Espinoza, and Sharon Finley welcome graduates and their families.
Liz Pulcheon introduces student speaker Salvador Vaca.
Liz Pulcheon introduces student speaker Salvador Vaca.
Liz Pulcheon ready with diplomas.
Liz Pulcheon ready with diplomas.
Liz Pulcheon presents Flor Orozco with her diploma.
Liz Pulcheon presents Flor Orozco with her diploma.
John Corrigan presents Flor Orozco with flowers.
John Corrigan presents Flor Orozco with flowers.
Liz Pulcheon presents Salvador Vaca with his diploma.
Liz Pulcheon presents Salvador Vaca with his diploma.
Graduate Salvador Vaca smiles as the audience erupts with applause.
Graduate Salvador Vaca smiles as the audience erupts with applause.
Liz Pulcheon presents Nina Velez with her diploma.
Liz Pulcheon presents Nina Velez with her diploma.
Graduates turn their tassels.
Graduates turn their tassels.
Sabrina Ippolito and fellow graduate Quixcia Guzman pose for photos.
Sabrina Ippolito and fellow graduate Quixcia Guzman pose for photos.
Flor Orozco poses with Liz Pulcheon, Rafaela Espinoza, and family.
Flor Orozco poses with Liz Pulcheon, Rafaela Espinoza, and family.
Sabrina Ippolito poses with her family.
Sabrina Ippolito poses with her family.
Flor Orozco poses with her family.
Flor Orozco poses with her family.
Nina Velez stops to smell the flowers.
Nina Velez stops to smell the flowers.
Nina Velez poses with her family.
Nina Velez poses with her family.
Liz Pulcheon chats with Nina Velez and her family member.
Liz Pulcheon chats with Nina Velez and her family member.

San Benito High School hosted its first Adult Education graduation ceremony on May 30 in the campus library. It celebrated the accomplishments of students who returned to high school to complete courses necessary to earn a diploma.

The program offers adults and teenage parents up to 90 units’ worth of high school credits in English, math, social science and electives.

Nine students from the 2018-19 program participated in the ceremony. Wearing traditional caps and gowns, the graduates proceeded through the library to traditional music. Families attended to witness their milestone.

Director of Educational Services Elaine Klauer presented opening remarks and credited instructor Liz Pulcheon for the program’s success.

Asked what prompted him to return to high school, graduate Salvador Vaca said he wanted to set a good example for his boys and “further my life for myself and for them.”

For fellow graduate Nina Velez, “It was an amazing experience. I’m so thankful for them giving me the chance to finish my diploma.”

Both Pulcheon and Rafaela Espinoza, an English language learners instructional assistant, shook hands with graduates and handed out the ceremonial diplomas. SBHS trustee John Corrigan presented each graduate with a small rose bouquet.

Following the brief but heartfelt ceremony, graduates and their guests enjoyed cake and refreshments in the courtyard. Handmade floral centerpieces decorated the outdoor tables and graduates were encouraged to take them home.

Though nine students participated in the ceremony, 13 students were listed in the program: Gregory Issac Arispe, Juan Pablo Barroso Bribiescas, Alberto Colmenero, Leticia Stephanie Flores, Quixcia Hernandez Guzman, Sabrina Eileen Ippolito, Lucia Armenta Ortega, Flor Xiomara Orozco, Melanie Leigh Thomas, Salvador Ruiz Vaca Jr., Michael Manuel Valderrama, Neal Martin Velez and Nina Rochelle Velez.

 

The Adult Education Program at San Benito High School begins the first Tuesday after Labor Day. Contact Adult Education Clerk Sharon Finley at (831) 637-5831 ext. 168 for more information.