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Text, California Adult Education Students Succeed.

Celebrating 2023 C.A.E.S.S. Honorees. Four images of different students.

Text, each year, since May, 2006, Otan recognizes Students Succeed honorees who are successful as a result of an adult education program. Agencies nominate students who inspire and embody a resilient spirit, overcome difficult challenges, contribute to their communities, and improve their own circumstances. The following pictures and words are from the adult educators who nominated each person.

Introducing this year's honorees.

Jennifer Mowry, San Juan Adult Education, Sunrise Tech Center. Quote, I have gained a new mindset, learned to use critical thinking, and see things from a different point of view. All of these things I have learned from using and studying with Aztec Software and Zoom class from my teacher, Mrs. Rhodes. I will continue to stay committed to my education and my eagerness to learn, end quote. Image, Jennifer holds up a framed diploma and poses for a picture with two other adults.

Lidia Melendez, San Juan United, Sunrise Tech Center. Quote, When I started this journey, I never imagined that besides learning things about the subjects, I would be learning and discovering things about myself as well. I discovered how much I enjoy learning and studying, the challenges, and the little victories along the way, end quote. Images, Lidia holds up a framed diploma and smiles. In a video she gives a speech at the podium during her graduation.

A.C.S.A. 2023 Honoree, Ri'Keishia Seward, Highlands Community Charter Technical Schools, C.I.C.A. Quote, Ri'Keishia Seward is a learner and student. Focused, persistent, and bright are just a few words to best describe Ri'Keishia. She came in with transfer credits and has added an impressive 35 more to her academic record. Ri'Keishia shared with me that she was, quote, playing no games, end quote. Ri'Keishia emphasizes that a high school diploma slash C.T.E. program, quote, gives me something to be proud of, a personal accomplishment, as well as show my children that we never give up on our hopes, dreams, or ourselves, end quote. Image, Ri'Keishia smiles and her hair is bright pink.

Rosa Torres, R. Rex Parris High School. Quote, Rosa Velia Torres is ever faithful in her enthusiasm and desire to learn. A dynamic communicator who excels in her pursuit of learning English as a Second Language, Ms. Rosa is always the first person in the classroom and one of the last to leave. Highly supportive of both staff and students, Ms. Rosa translates, participates, and inspires our education community. Her affable nature and high initiative makes her truly one of a kind. On a personal front, Ms. Rosa is also a loving mom, wife, and steadfast lifelong leaner, end quote. Image, Rosa poses for picture in a dark blue dress.

Celia Zhang, Mount San Antonio College ESL. Quote, drawn to the U.S. because of the values of freedom of speech, humanity, and equity, Celia reflects, quote, I value education, which helps students develop critical thinking with social emotional skills, end quote. Her goal is to support first generation immigrants and English language learners in the U.S, end quote. Images, Celia holds up a framed diploma and smiles.

A.C.S.A. 2023 Honoree, Cecilia Delgado, Harbor Occupational Center. Quote, when she started in the ESL program, Cecilia felt excited and grateful to have the opportunity to learn English. She was relieved to meet people who were in the same situation as her. In addition, she was able to take classes at the same school where her son went to preschool. Little by little, her English improved. Furthermore, she received her U.S. citizenship thanks to a citizenship class she took at Banning Adult School in Wilmington, end quote.

Yolanda Reyna, Norwalk La Mirada Adult School. Quote, looking for work is important for Yolanda, but she prioritizes her time in order to provide care for her grandchild and is blessed to be able to help her daughter whenever she is needed. She continues to face challenges today, but it has not stopped her from setting new goals for herself. Yolanda plans to earn an associate’s degree from a local community college, as she has taken interest in psychology and English classes, end quote.

Jinhui Wang, Mira Costa Community College. Quote, the Adult Education Program gave Jinhui the opportunity to get a high quality education, helped her sharpen her language and cultural skills to thrive in the U.S. Also, the ESL program provided Jinhui with the courage and ability to serve the community and overcome any challenges in the future. Jinhui is highly determined to pursue her career and earn a master’s degree in accounting. Jinhui’s goal is to find her ability or talent to serve the society, end quote.

Sira Kone, Berkeley Adult School. Quote, now that Sira has her high school diploma, she is on her way realizing her goal of becoming a registered nurse. Sira’s learning experiences have dramatically improved the lives of her children, especially compared to the lack of education Sira had as a child. Sira takes education so seriously that in addition to regular school, she is also paying for private tutors for both children. Sira is an amazing person, a dedicated mother, a valued nurse’s assistant, and an adult education student who is a joy. I am sure that her ability to fight for what she wants and her consistent hard work will place her in many leadership positions in the future, end quote.

Muska Gharwal, Fremont Adult School. Quote, when she started school, she could not write simple sentences. Now, she helps many newly arrived refugees feel comfortable learning English. Muska passed her citizenship test in 2022 without taking the citizenship class, which is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She is also helping her four children with their homework, showing her commitment to education, her family, and her community. Muska’s goal is to continue learning English and one day attend college. I do not doubt that she will succeed in this endeavor, given her tenacity and positive attitude, end quote.

Jorge Lopez, Norwalk La Mirada Adult School. Quote, although Jorge no longer lives in the same neighborhood he grew up in, he made it a point to finish his education where it all started. He commuted through five cities over the course of 10 months to complete his studies. During the graduation ceremony, he was recognized for his resilience and dedication to becoming a positive example to his community, end quote.

Everette Martinez, Venice Skills Center D.A.C.E, L.A.U.S.D. Quote, in October of 2022, Everette was selected to become part of a Netacad internship with Straight Up Technologies. During the six day internship, Everette was able to demonstrate his skills and knowledge of Network Engineering. This led to Everette becoming a contractor for Straight Up Technologies and eventually a full time employee as a network engineer. A week before his first day of work, Everette passed his C.C.N.A. exam and become C.C.N.A. certified. As he reflects, Everette is thankful to the Venice Skills Center and Mr. Robert Yorgason for allowing him to change his life and achieve his career goal, end quote.

Maria Norma Trejo, Montebello Community Adult School. Quote, Norma is currently the lead C.A.S.A.S. proctor for MCAS and supports the high diploma program and ESL program. Norma’s selfless devotion has proved her to be an irreplaceable team player. She is always primed and inclined to deliver assistance to anyone who walks through the school’s doors looking to pursue their educational dreams as she once did at the very same school, end quote.

C.A.E.P. T.A.P. 2023 Honoree Francisco Solano, Salinas Adult School. Quote, Francisco Solano is a good man who lives that way not as an act or part of some ambition, he lives that way because he has remembered that he is as good now as a grown man as he was on the day he was born. And because he values himself, he can naturally and authentically treat others with the value they deserve. He is the epitome of the best of what adult education stands for, a self directed, self valuing individual who has built and rebuilt himself under the most trying of circumstances and is still growing, integrated, contributing, and connected to the broader community, end quote.

Jose Bonilla Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School "Jose has been a positive contributor to the adult school community often encouraging and helping his classmates, making them laugh with his quick wit and exuberant, contagious chuckle, and developing his leadership skills. Jose is a true example of what can be achieved when one is courageous, humble, resilient, and determined enough to fully take advantage of all that Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School has to offer."

Laila Owens Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School "Laila comes from a continuation school where she thought she would not graduate high school. She wanted to set a goal for herself and prove herself wrong. Not only did she graduate early, but she completed the Pharmacy Technician program June 2023 and has obtained a job in the pharmacy. She was able to buy a car and not have to walk to school. Laila's future plan is to become a nurse within her community."

Ester Abelido Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School "Ester came to my class as a 68 year old immigrant from the Phillipines. She has a special gift for caring for people and worked as a caregiver while earning her CNA certification. She never missed a day of class, never complained, completed every task during her clinical training and passed her state exams the first try. She has worked through so many challenges to reach her goals and has made a deep impact in my life and an inspiration to so many people."

Maria Luisa (Marilu) Rosas Harbor Occupational Center "Marilu remains optimistic about her future. Her life experiences and studies have helped her to develop a growth mindset. Marilu regularly encourages fellow students to keep learning and keep advancing in their education. She says 'don't be afraid or ashamed. Be brave and make the decision because learning the language of this country opens us up to more opportunities for self-improvement.'"

Francisca Juarez Huntington Beach Adult School Francisca lights up a room. She has a natural instinct to help others. Juarez is engaged in class, asks helpful questions, and never says no when anyone asks her for assistance. She is a very determined, smart, hard-working, loving woman who enhances the lives of everyone she touches. Francisca is the ideal student.

Manuel Angulo Garden Grove Adult Education "After completing my English classes in 2021, I made the bold decision to pursue my high school diploma. With a determined spirit, I enrolled in a GED/HiSET preparation course, only to realize that the road to success was far more arduous than I had initially envisaged. I was met with challenges at every turn, and there were moments when I felt overwhelmed and defeated. Despite the setbacks, I refused to give up, and after a year of unwavering commitment and hard work, I emerged victorious with my high school diploma in hand."

Sara Basiri, Garden Grove Adult Education. Quote, she wants to fight for Iranian women and all women globally. Some advice she learned along her journey, quote, I want to say to women, don’t give up. We should improve our knowledge and power. After this we can fight for equality, don’t think you aren’t enough, try your best. I want to remind myself of that, too, end quote.

CAEP TAP 2023 Honoree Maria Cornellier, Castro Valley Adult & Career Education. "Without adult education and an adult basic education program in particular, Maria would still be illiterate. At its best, adult education picks up people who have fallen through the cracks. She would not have been able to start at a community college and without the incredible caring of her first teacher, she would not have had the courage to stay the 10 long years it took to replace an education denied to her. In Maria's case adult education has given her the confidence to overcome trauma, help others and start a pathway to a new career healing others."

Maria Jose (Majo) Perez, South Bay Adult School. "Majo is now contributing to the community and learning of others by mentoring fellow students, supporting school events and working closely with the "Lo Máximo LA Hispanic Magazine", helping directly with the success of their events. She recently received Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County and US Congress recognition for women who are improving their community. At their community event for disadvantaged Los Angeles families, she was integral in helping at the events with toy/ food giveaways."

Reem Shabieh, Petaluma Adult School. "Reem is originally from Syria. She has faced a number of challenges in the past, including immigrating first to Lebanon and then to the United States almost five years ago with her husband and two daughters. Soon after she arrived in Petaluma in late 2018, she began studying English at Petaluma Adult School. She completed our two highest level ESL classes and then transitioned to our HiSet program while working 38 hours per week as an IHSS caregiver for her father-in-law. She earned her high school equivalency in English in 2022 and enrolled in an ESL Leadership class, which stressed the importance of volunteering in the community. Now, she attends PTA meetings and volunteers for events at her children's elementary school."

Sulamita Cuevas, Elk Grove Adult and Community Education. Married with three children, Sulamita has opened her first restaurant, where we had our annual program reunion in 2022. Her long-term goals are to live at Lake Tahoe, and to own a painting by Vincent Van Gogh. "I also want to raise my children so that they can be independent," she said, "and to volunteer for an organization like Management Sciences for Health (MSH) to protect women and children..

Siriwan Sadompruek, Petaluma Adult School. "Siriwan is from Thailand and married an American. In 2016, she completed a low intermediate English class when her husband unexpectedly passed away in his thirties. In her English class, she learned about the U.S. Citizenship class and took advantage of the free legal assistance offered to PAS students to complete her N-400 form. She waited a year and a half for her interview but kept repeating the class so she would feel confident. The same week that she became a U.S. citizen in 2022, Siriwan interviewed successfully and obtained the job working 20 hours/ week in a commercial kitchen while her son is in school."

Fabiola Gonzalez Monterey Adult School "Fabiola Gonzalez graduated in both the certified nursing assistant program and GED earning her a special award of obtaining both in the school year. Gonzalez attended classes while also cleaning houses fulltime, raising three children including a newborn. " "On several occasions, I went home tired and not wanting to go to school. (I thought), 'why do I want my GED? How will it help me at my age? It's too late, I don't need it.' But I remembered my dreams, my goals and I had a double espresso and went to school. I wanted to show my daughters they could do it.'"

Alonda Schock, San Joaquin Delta College. "I am a good example of the saying 'It's never too late to be what you might have been!' In 2021 at 52 years old I graduated from Manteca Adult Education 34 years after my original graduation date. When I received that diploma, I was excited but had no plans to continue my education. You see not having a diploma had not held me back from having a successful career at Blue Shield of CA. But times have changed I now wanted to contribute more to my family. I will be the first to graduate college in my family which is an important detail because I was the kid that was not going to amount to anything. But here I am crushing it and excitedly looking towards a bright future!"

Mabel Arnold, Harbor Occupational Center. "With the English skills she now possesses, she can request the appropriate therapies and special services for her child. She can now have conversations and discussions with teachers and the school principal about the special education her son deserves. Learning English has been one of the best decisions of her life. She completed ESL Level 6 this year. Because she can now communicate successfully in English, she was recently hired by a large company. She is working in home health care where she helps older adults. Ten years ago, she never imagined this would happen. Mabel says 'Learning to communicate in English and achieving your dreams is possible! Yes, we can!'"

Iris Cruz Riverside City College "Iris is an outstanding adult student, with significant life responsibilities (a licensed contractor), and who has made positive contributions to her community. She demonstrates a strong commitment in earning her high school diploma as well as continuing in higher education. Iris connects with the Vision for Success - 'As long as adult students have the tools and desire 'ganas,' they can accomplish their dreams' as she puts it!"

Cinthya Duran. South Bay Adult School. "Cinthya successfully staged a play for our school, South Bay Adult School (SBAS). She wrote, directed, designed and sewed the costumes and set. The morale of our school was uplifted as classmates from her ABE class began digligently rehearsing with her. Our students had never seen such an awesome production and performance. Cinthya inspired so many students to pursue their studies and become fluent English speakers. Her confidence and ability to communicate well in English also provided inspiration for our students. After passing the GED, Cinthya is enrolled in community college to pursue her creative writing passion."

Elisa Takagi Oxnard Adult School "Elisa can now help her grandchildren with their educational goals and serves as a role model for her family. Most importantly, she's achieved her adult education goals despite extraordinary hardship in retaining math concepts and testing anxiety. In fact, it took her four attempt to pass the HiSET Math exam. She was denied accommodations; such as additional testing time. This didn't deter Elisa from her goal of passing Math. She's studied 100+ hours in order to pass the HiSET. I've never seen a student work harder to accomplish their educational goals."

Congratulations to all adult learners from your ongoing determination and dedication in pursuing your education. You are all an inspiration.

California Adult Education Students Succeed.

Created and produced by Karin de Varennes, at Otan