CCSD graduation week highlights students of all ages joining …

[Pages:3]Wednesday, June 05, 2013 11:55:46 AM

CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS RELEASE

Contact Melinda Malone, (702) 799-5304

June 5, 2013

Editor's note: Members of the media are invited to attend the Desert Rose Adult High School graduation being held at the Thomas and Mack Center on Friday, June 7 at noon.

CCSD graduation week highlights students of all ages joining graduating class of 2013

Adult education opportunities provide second chance for many

LAS VEGAS - On June 7, the Thomas and Mack Center will host a graduation ceremony for a class of dedicated adult high school graduates. Desert Rose Adult High School students will join the estimated 14,500 Clark County School District (CCSD) students earning their high school diplomas and becoming members of the graduating class of 2013. Desert Rose Adult High School is a place of second chances for some, and for others, the opportunity to achieve dreams and goals once thought unattainable.

CCSD provides adults with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma through the District's Department of Adult Education. Desert Rose Adult High School is just one of 40 locations across the Las Vegas Valley providing adult education opportunities to those wanting to earn a high school diploma, Certificate of Attendance or GED (General Education Development). Currently, there are approximately 18,000 students enrolled with CCSD's Department of Adult Education, taking classes at various levels. Each year, approximately 1,000 to 1,400 adults earn their high school diplomas, while another 1,100 are awarded a GED.

"I commend our amazing graduates from the Adult Education programs for their tenacity and perseverance," said Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky. "Adult education is a great example of the many ways the District serves our community. We know education is key for success and when I say every student, in every classroom without exceptions, I am reaffirming my commitment to all students in Clark County. As we celebrate graduation week, I encourage everyone to share the stories of our amazing adult graduates and encourage a friend or neighbor who might benefit from our adult learning program to obtain more information - It's never too late to realize a dream."

Wednesday, June 05, 2013 11:55:46 AM

"The services provided to adults in our community by the District are a true asset," said Department of Adult Education Director Dr. Robert Henry. "Giving adults the chance to create better opportunities for themselves and their families can be life changing."

Earning a high school diploma through a traditional or comprehensive high school is not something all members of the community have the opportunity to take advantage of. Many of the District's adult graduates come from countries where earning a high school diploma was not an option available to them. Others have endured life changing situations that delayed their ability to earn a diploma in the traditional setting or time frame.

"The commitment and dedication displayed by our students is truly inspirational," said Desert Rose Adult High School Principal Dr. Sandra Ransel. "We're proud to serve a diverse community and impress upon our students that it's never too late to improve upon your education."

Their journeys: The stories of three Desert Rose Adult High School 2013 graduates

For Dora Obregon, moving to the United States meant new opportunities and possibilities, but first, she had to learn to read and write English. Understanding the limitless opportunities ahead of her, she began to study for her GED. With a renewed sense of commitment and remembering that her mother always told her "it is never too late to accomplish your dreams," Obregon returned to school to earn her high school diploma. She now plans to continue her education and earn a degree from a university.

Graduating from high school has been a life-long dream for Ashley Block. She left high school 32 years ago during her senior year. Block admits returning to high school is one of the hardest things she has ever done. Relying on tutors and the commitment of her teachers and advisors, Block tackled her way through her high school courses spending many long nights and early mornings at her computer studying. For the past 20 years, Block has been a personal trainer and now plans to expand upon her love for fitness and health by becoming a physical therapy assistant.

Having completed the requirements to earn a high school diploma last November, Jacqueline Arias, age 18, is already enrolled in community college and is currently completing her first three courses in the Medical Work Study Program. Arias had difficulty keeping up with her classes and attending school when a medical condition caused her to miss days during her sophomore year. Due to her determination and the encouragement of her teachers, Arias is fulfilling her goals and challenges others to do the same.

For more information about CCSD's Department of Adult Education, visit:

Wednesday, June 05, 2013 11:55:46 AM

# # #

Office of the Superintendent - Communications Office - 5100 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89146

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download