Venture Academy celebrates the Class of 2018 with fall graduation ceremony

On December 11, 2018, the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District’s (PYLUSD) Adult Transition Program, known as Venture Academy, held a fall commencement ceremony in honor of the Class of 2018. The event took place in the Auditorium at Valencia High School.

Following the graduates’ procession, program coordinator, Kelli McFedries welcomed the PYLUSD Board of Education members and administrators in attendance, including Trustees Judi Carmona and Karin Freeman, as well as Superintendent, Dr. Greg Plutko, Deputy Superintendent, Candy Plahy, Assistant Superintendent, Rick Lopez, Director of Director, Pupil Personnel Services, Renee Gray, and more. McFedries also acknowledged the families, staff members, and most importantly, the school’s nine graduates attending the ceremony.

McFedries went on to discuss how proud she was of the nine graduates’ accomplishments working at local businesses such as TJ Maxx, Smart and Final, Sears Outlet, and more. She noted how many students also had created personal portfolios, participated in mock job interviews, and completed job applications during their time in the academy. In addition to work skills, the students were also taught valuable life skills such as using public transportation, making simple purchases, and enjoying activities in the community.

“This is a hardworking, dedicated group who thoroughly deserve success. We wish you everything that you so richly deserve in the years ahead. It has been an honor and a privilege watching your progress.”

After a brief video including fun pictures of the graduates over the years, Venture student, Ruslan Tolley, shared a few words with the crowd and his classmates about the opportunities that Venture Academy has afforded him.

Venture Academy teachers Kathy Eidson, Bill Greenfield, Kiki Madison, Sandra Ortiz, and Jamie Randall then presented each graduate with their certificate of completion and invited them on stage to shake hands with honored guests.

Trustee Freeman then accepted Venture Academy’s Class of 2018 as having completed all mandatory program requirements. She also offered sincere words of encouragement and praise to the young adults.

Congratulations, Venture graduates!

Venture Academy Fall Class of 2018
Carl Stephen Gillon III
Jacob Grimes
Rebekah Guerra
Diego Hernandez
Zaul Navarro
Maria “Nena” Melendrez
Ruslan Tolley
Valerie Williams
Weiming Xiong

A special thank you to Esperanza High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program for providing the presentation of the colors at Venture Academy’s fall graduation ceremony.