Introduction to Unhoused Students’ Achievements
As high school seniors across Los Angeles get ready to graduate, Friday was a recognition day for more than 100 students who are getting their high school diplomas from Los Angeles Unified School District schools despite having faced with homelessness and food insecurity.
The soon-to-be graduates celebrated their accomplishments with food and pictures at the 12th annual LAUSD Graduate Recognition ceremony.
Overcoming Challenges
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said the students will be getting academic scholarships to some of the best colleges and universities in the country after overcoming challenges stemming from poverty and lack of housing. The LAUSD estimates some 80% of its students are from low-income families, with nearly 300,000 children living at or below the poverty line.
The Importance of Support
“It’s important to provide these kids with resources they need, the housing, the food, touring programs but also love and scholarship money,” Carvalho said, adding there are more than 15,000 unhoused children within the district. “Sending them off to college with a scholarship in hand, that will guarantee their future lives,” the superintendent added.
Student Stories
Among the students who were honored Friday was 18-year-old Dylan Cruz, who admitted it wasn’t always easy. “I had to overcome some challenges to be here,” he said as he plans to study broadcasting in college to become a sportscaster.
Upcoming Graduation Ceremonies
Graduation ceremonies for LAUSD school will take place, starting in early June.
Conclusion
The recognition and graduation of these students serve as a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite facing significant challenges, they have managed to achieve their goal of graduating from high school and are now looking forward to pursuing higher education. The support provided by the LAUSD, including academic scholarships, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in helping them succeed in their future endeavors.
FAQs
- Q: How many students were honored at the LAUSD Graduate Recognition ceremony?
A: More than 100 students were honored. - Q: What challenges did these students face?
A: They faced homelessness and food insecurity, among other challenges stemming from poverty and lack of housing. - Q: What support is being provided to these students?
A: They are being provided with resources such as housing, food, touring programs, love, and scholarship money. - Q: How many unhoused children are there within the LAUSD?
A: There are more than 15,000 unhoused children within the district. - Q: When will the graduation ceremonies for LAUSD schools take place?
A: The graduation ceremonies will start in early June.
