PRESS RELEASE: Over 100 SBCSS Alternative Education Students Earn Their High School Diploma

SAN BERNARDINO — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) proudly celebrated the accomplishments of its alternative education high school graduates during its annual commencement ceremony held on June 13 at the Gardiner Springs Auditorium in Ontario. From starting their high school journey online due to COVID, to experiencing homelessness, gang violence and drug use, these students overcame significant challenges to earn enough credits to qualify for their diploma. Families, friends, staff and educators gathered to recognize their incredible achievements and see their loved one walk across this year’s graduation stage. For some, they are the first in their family to earn a high school diploma.?

“These students have shown remarkable perseverance and determination, overcoming numerous challenges and defying the odds to earn their diplomas,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate the Class of 2024 and recognize their outstanding accomplishments.”?

The audience, filled with students, families and community members, heard inspirational keynote addresses from this year’s selected student speaker, Genesis Baquet, SBCSS Classified School Employee of the Year, Yvonne Knox, and County Superintendent Ted Alejandre.

County Superintendent Alejandre addressed the graduates, reminding them that this momentous occasion is a testament to their tenacity and drive for a brighter future.

Baquet rebounded and flourished after transitioning into the alternative education program early in the school year. In addition to being selected as this year’s student speaker and completing her high school education, she also participated in dual enrollment at a local community college and was selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship from the San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Task Force.

“I’m proud of myself. I came a long way, but I always knew I could do it,” said Baquet. “The staff at Bob Murphy helped me so much, they really believe in me and push me to do better so I can accomplish my dreams. They made me feel loved and appreciated.”

Knox, SBCSS Classified School Employee of the Year, has dedicated more than two decades to supporting students in alternative education, including those in juvenile hall and special education programs. For over 20 years, she has worked with school staff to ensure students are educated, safe and have access to resources no matter the need.

“Many of our students come to us broken, battered and bruised. They come to us with heavy hearts, strained personal family relationships and dealing with countless challenges,” said Knox. “But over time, these hard and incorrigible youth start to soften up. They start to smile and laugh. They start to let some of their inner glory shine through.?They slowly realize that there are people in this world who genuinely care about them, love them and want them to have a bright future.”

In 2016, under the direction of County Superintendent Alejandre, SBCSS presented its first Alternative Education graduating class. Since then, nearly 1,200 students have graduated from the Student Services program.?

For more news and information, visit the?SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , LinkedIn and YouTube . #transforminglives

The mission of San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools is to?transform lives through education. Working in collaboration with school districts, families, our community partners, and other agencies, we provide leadership, advocacy and services to ensure equitable, innovative and inspiring educational practices. This endeavor is essential to the quality of life and economic vitality of our communities.