Sixty-five Community Adult School students accepted their diplomas June 9 inside the Live Oak High School Theater, rounding out the graduation season for Morgan Hill Unified School District.
With an average annual enrollment of 750 students, the Community Adult School allows adults to reach their diploma requirements, take test prep classes for their high school diploma equivalency test, or enroll in English as a Second Language classes. This year, 165 students were eligible to graduate.
Opened in 1972, the school has seen tens of thousands of students pass through its doors on their way to better careers, higher education or learning a new language.
“There are so many paths to take in life and education; the Community Adult School provides the less traveled path but all the same takes students to their dreams and further aspirations,” MHUSD Superintendent Steve Betando said. “We are so proud of the great work this program does for our community.”
At age 60, Rosemary Carranza, a single mother of five, was among those who received a high school diploma. She spoke of her difficult life and the hardships she has faced, but also words of encouragement to others who have not taken that step to finish school at the commencement ceremony.
“Education has no age limit,” Carranza said. “I challenge those of you who wish to receive your diploma or high school equivalency to take that first step and just do it.”
According to Principal Dennis Browne, every student who enrolls at the school is at a different stage in their education. Some only need 10 or 20 credits to complete their diploma, while others need as many as 80 credits. Over the last five years, the Community Adult School has awarded 251 adult high school diplomas and 211 high school equivalency diplomas.
“Seventy-five percent of our students come from Morgan Hill,” said Browne, who became principal in 2000 and has seen more than 14,000 adults from all over South County enroll in the school’s classes. “Every student has their own story of why they didn’t graduate high school. To come back as an adult, to persevere through whatever life has thrown at them and complete their education is an enormous testament to their drive.”
The high school diploma program offers the same core high school classes as a student receives on a high school campus. Through federal and state funding, enrollment is free to all students. Most classes are held at night to accommodate students with jobs and family responsibilities. Enrollment is open to all adults age 18 and over. It is located at 17960 Monterey Road.
“The classes that we offer are vital to this community. We serve students that will not or cannot go to Gavilan or local universities for various reasons,” said Pam Goonetilleke, an English as a Second Language teacher and 2015-16 Teacher of the Year. “Our staff is here to help them overcome barriers, encourage them to keep going, and that can make all the difference in their lives.”
Students meet with their teacher at various times during the week to answer questions, take their tests, and make certain they are on the right track.
“I have a great deal of respect for them and the effort they put in to learn English,” Goonetilleke added. “Most of my students work all day, have families at home, and still make it to class and finish their studies. They are working toward better lives for the families. It’s an honor to work with them.”
Under Browne’s leadership, the school continues to work with other schools in the area to build a stronger network and coordinate programs more effectively. Currently, MHUSD is working with Gilroy Unified to help rebuild that district’s adult learning program. The goal is to help more students make progress toward their diploma and then go onto college or into a Career Technical Education (CTE) program.
For more information, visit adultschool.mhusd.org/. Registration for next year’s classes will begin August 1.
