Megan's Early College High School Graduation
(Thursday June 10, 2010)
We're here to witness the first class graduate from the William and Marian Ghidotti Early College High School (which partners with Sierra College) that began in 2006. Grand daughter Megan is among these students that have already participated in Sierra College's graduation to recognize their completion of Associates Degrees. The Foundation for California Community Colleges is an intermediary in the nationwide Early College High School Initiative. The initiative works with underrepresented students who historically have been at risk for not attending college. Seed money has been provided through grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in partnership with the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ford Foundation, and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. It's an alternative high school designed for students who thrive in a smaller, nurturing, yet academically challenging environment. Students attend high school classes on the Sierra College campus, and are concurrently enrolled in college courses. In four or five years, students graduate from high school and receive either an AA or AS degree, are ready for transfer to a four-year university, or are prepared for viable employment. For most of her early years, our Megan proved her self discipline and dedication to make the most of whatever she chose to do, be it scholastic, gymnastic, or photography. Tonight we witnessed the accomplishments of her classmates.
..And here come the grads.
The ceremony program begins with an introduction to all school representatives involved, followed by students receiving special recognition and scholarships.
"I Believe I Can Fly."
This young fellow sings a song he wrote.
Megan listens, smiles and gets her diploma and sunflower; then returns to her seat.
Proud great grandmother and grandparents Absher, mom, dad and grandpapa McGuire.
That bright smile says it all...Congratulations Megan!
It's been a wonderful experience...More like a college graduation after listening to all the student achievements. We're looking forward to Megan's party tomorrow evening.