PRESS RELEASE: San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Celebrates Graduating High School Seniors

SAN BERNARDINO — On June 8, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) proudly celebrated more than 130 alternative education high school graduates. These students overcame insurmountable odds to earn their diplomas.?

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At the commencement ceremony, a full house of families, friends, educators, staff, and community members gathered at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino to recognize the incredible accomplishment these students achieved.?Also in attendance were San Bernardino County Board of Education members, Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. from the 5th District, and County Superintendent Ted Alejandre.

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“It was such an honor to recognize and celebrate the class of 2023,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Despite facing some of the most difficult challenges, these students persevered and persisted, earning themselves a high school diploma.”??

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County Superintendent Alejandre addressed the graduates, encouraging them to take pride in their success, push forward to set and achieve new goals and enjoy the journey ahead of them.?

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Brenda Adams, a teacher at the Burton Thrall School located at Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center, was invited to speak at this year’s commencement ceremony. She was also named the SBCSS 2023 Alternative Education Teacher of the Year.?

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Adams has dedicated her career to providing a positive learning environment for students and believes building positive relationships is key to student success.?It is Adams’ belief that respect, patience and understanding are some of the most essential components for effective teaching.?

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Micaiah Robinson from Victorville Education Center was selected as this year’s student speaker. Throughout her high school career, she faced some of the most challenging times in her life. Despite those experiences, she showed resiliency and continued her education.?

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“Going through milestones and being able to come back from them is what made me realize that your current situation isn't always your permanent destination,” said Robinson. “We’re not just survivors; we are overcomers.”?

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Following graduation, Robinson will attend AMDA College of the Performing Arts on a scholarship. After earning her bachelor’s degree in fine arts, she hopes to open her own community performing arts school.?

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The graduation ceremony marked the eighth graduating class from the SBCSS Student Services programs. 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 programs.?