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In a time of an economic recession and widespread cuts to school

For the 48 Central High School students who received their diplomas, the June 2 commencement ceremony meant the completion of an uphill journey filled with hardships and setbacks that, gradually throughout the school year, turned into successes and accomplishments.“These students don’t take their graduation as simply just another thing to do. They understand how they really had to work for this,” said seventh-year Central High civics/world history teacher Christine Charlebois. “They had to overcome extreme obstacles. They value this very much. These ceremonies are very emotional. Each one of them is very invested in that diploma.”Students come to Central behind in the necessary academic credits to graduate from high school. A more hands-on approach by teachers in a smaller class-size environment helps these at-risk students catch up with their coursework.Central’s 2016 Student of the Year was Jakob Gamboa, who will continue his studies at Gavilan College. Graduates Jerry Juarez and Austin Flower addressed their classmates at the ceremony held at Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center’s Downtown Amphitheater. Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate was the keynote speaker.Graduate Christopher Fuentes, who will enter the U.S. Army Reserves, led the crowd and Class of 2016 in the Pledge of Allegiance.One-third of the student population at Central received some sort of scholarship and/or award from the community, totaling more than $10,000, according to Charlebois.“It was a very enjoyable year, very successful year,” Charlebois said. “The school itself received a glowing accreditation from WASC.”

The Santa Clara County Office of Education will host the Charter

While sitting in on a recent “Coffee with the Mayor” session, Trustee Rick Badillo of the Morgan Hill Unified School District’s Board of Education was asked by Mayor Steve Tate to answer a question from an attendee regarding education.