On June 7, the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District’s (PYLUSD) Adult Transition Program, known as Venture Academy, held its annual commencement ceremony in honor of the Class of 2019. The event took place at the PYLUSD Performing Arts Center, known as the PAC.
Following the graduates’ procession, Program Coordinator Kelli McFedries welcomed the PYLUSD Board of Education members and administrators in attendance, including Clerk Judi Carmona and Trustee Karin Freeman, as well as Superintendent, Dr. Greg Plutko, Deputy Superintendent, Candy Plahy, Assistant Superintendent, Rick Lopez, and Executive Director, Renee Gray, and Directors, Dr. Linda Adamson, Cary Johnson, and Nancy Blade. McFedries also acknowledged the families, staff members, and most importantly, the school’s 11 graduates attending the ceremony.
McFedries also discussed how proud she was of the 11 graduates’ accomplishments working at local businesses. She noted how many students also had the opportunity to create 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.
Gray, who serves as the Executive Director of Special Education/SELPA, also addressed the graduates and shared a message of hope.
“Our hope for our adult students beyond today is to have the opportunity, like everyone else, to explore various career options and build a network of supportive people who will continue to help them along their selected path. And I can confidently say that Venture Academy has done just that,” she shared.
Trustee Judi Carmona accepted Venture Academy’s Class of 2019 as having completed all mandatory program requirements. She also offered sincere words of encouragement and individual praise to the young adults.
Venture Academy teachers then presented each graduate with their certificate of completion and invited them on stage to shake hands with Trustees, District administrators, teachers, and faculty. One student also received a scholarship on behalf of the Placentia-Linda Unified Managers (PLUM) to help with their college or career following Venture Academy.
Congratulations, graduates!
Venture Academy Class of 2019
Gabriela Alfaro
Francisco Andrade
Ian Briquier
April Clark
Jose Garcia
Kyle Howard
Diana Martinez
David Saldivar
Anthony Schulz
Christopher Valero
Hannah Workanah
Be the first to comment on "Venture Academy celebrates the Class of 2019"