Fifty-five students from Golden Oak Adult School walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas and be honored for completing the HiSET high school equivalency exam last Thursday, June 7, culminating a process that for many was filled with hardship and perseverance.

The ceremony included speeches by three graduates and an address by Burbank Adult School’s Adult Education Director and Vice President of the Board for the Los Angeles Regional Adult Education Consortium Emilio Urioste who is an 18-year resident of the Santa Clarita Valley. The event also featured a rose ceremony during which students could honor someone who had a positive impact on their success.

“This accomplishment is so important for my self-esteem and sense of value, and will open new doors for my future” stated HiSET credential earner Rocio Zamudio Gutierrez who was part of the first HiSET cohort offered in Spanish at the school.

Guests included California State Assemblyman Dante Acosta, City Council Member Bill Miranda, Kris Hough, Field Representative for State Senator Scott Wilk, and Rosalind Wayman, Field Deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, each presenting the students with certificates.

“Every day I am inspired by the hard work of the students and impressed by the challenges many of them have had to overcome to achieve their goals,” said Jodie Hoffman, Principal of Golden Oak.

The mission of Golden Oak Adult School is to meet the educational needs of the community by empowering learners with academic, career, and technological skills, preparing them for post-secondary education, today’s changing workforce, and civic and community involvement. Golden Oak Adult School is located at 23201 Dalbey Drive. The school can be reached by phone at 661-253-0583, or online at www.goldenoakadultschool.com.