When Central High School’s 60 graduates walked the Downtown Amphitheater Stage to receive their diplomas at the June 7 commencement ceremony, nearly all of them knew what their next steps were after leaving high school.
A renewed focus on college and career pathways as well as a full-time counselor on the Loritta Bonfante Johnson Education Center campus at Morgan Hill Unified School District’s only continuation school has provided resources for Central students.
“The highlight for me was speaking to every single senior that had taken their (college) placement test and registered for classes,” said second-year Central principal Vera Gomes. “Ninety-eight percent knew (where they were headed next). That’s where we need to be with education.”
Twenty-four graduates received college scholarships offered from 13 different organizations and individuals, including Central’s Student Of The Year Lexus Gonzalez, a recipient of the Central Staff scholarship.
“It was pretty exciting,” said Gomes of a school record in terms of scholarship recipients and donors.
The graduation ceremony for Central’s Class of 2017 opened with a flag salute led by students David Campbell, Peter Estrada and Kevin Reid, and then led into speeches from Gomes and Superintendent Steve Betando.
After teacher Veronica Calderon delivered a message to the graduating class, students Dolores Ochoa and Estefani Rojas Urista addressed their schoolmates.
Graduates were joined by family and friends on the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center grounds for the special ceremony. Gomes said Central alumni also remain involved helping students like themselves on campus.
“We had a good year,” Gomes said. “We want to keep supporting kids into their careers.”
Gomes and staff are not done with the current year. At Central, there is a 10-day extension for those students who are credit deficient and are still working toward their high school diploma. A small, clean-up graduation ceremony will be held in August, according to Gomes.
“We want lifelong learners,” Gomes said. “We’re building a support network.”
Students, families, friends and staff of Central High School can download Pi Silverstein’s photos of the June 7 Central High School Class of 2017 graduation ceremony by visiting centralgrad17.shutterfly.com. Users will have to create a free account to download photos.
