Graduates Prove It’s Never Too Late

Maria Cornellier and Edel M. Lopez-Cruz inspired the audience at the January 7th Castro Valley Adult & Career Education graduation ceremony.

One of the dignitaries visiting the Castro Valley Adult & Career Education (CVACE) graduation ceremony on June 7th turned to Assistant Principal Keith Nauman and said, “Is it always this emotional?” Mr. Nauman responded, “It sure is.” There is something particularly inspiring about seeing adults reach their goals, many with their children in the audience proudly looking on and learning the example of resilience. CVACE honored eight students who had completed their GED, and 14 earned their high school diplomas at an inspiring commencement ceremony.

Maria Cornellier brought many in the audience to tears.  She shared that she was not allowed to attend school as a child.  When she arrived at the adult school, she could not read and had to count on her fingers.  She was so ashamed that she sat in the back with a hoodie on her head.  With the love and encouragement of her first teacher, Caresse Nguyen, Maria began coming to the board to answer questions and felt pride in herself for the first time in her life.  It took ten years, but Maria is now a high school graduate. She is on a path to becoming an addiction counselor and will be honored by the California Adult Education Program Technical Assistance Program for her accomplishments.

Edel M Lopez-Cruz also inspired the crowd with his story as a GED graduate.  When he came to this country at 15, his priority was work, not education.  Now he is a proud graduate with a good job and a supportive fiancée.  He talked about what a special place CVACE is and how the caring staff helped him academically and emotionally to find his inner strength to succeed.

One graduate held her 3-month-old baby on her lap, wearing a tiny graduation cap.  It was both adorable and motivating. Are you someone who didn’t finish your education and are ready for a new beginning or to be an example to your children? If you could use support to complete your high school diploma or GED, contact Castro Valley Adult & Career Education at (510) 886-1000 or visit www.cvadult.org.