Woodland Adult Education celebrated their graduates Tuesday evening with an intimate ceremony on Pioneer High School’s football field, located behind the campus at 1400 Pioneer Ave.

A total of 35 students graduated from Woodland Adult Education this year, with 21 participating in the ceremony as countless family and friends cheered them on from the bleachers.

Woodland Adult Education offers multiple education paths for those over the age of 18, including the opportunity to finish a high school diploma.

After the graduates made their way onto the field, graduate Darrell Davis led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance before Karen Liu, principal of Woodland Adult Education, took to the podium to introduce the graduating class and congratulate them on their accomplishments.

“We are a unique school, I think many of you can attest to that,” Liu said. “I’m especially proud Woodland Adult Education is here for students like you who simply needed a second chance.

“You overcame the difficulties and defied the odds in your own lives and now all of you are stronger because of it. As you move on to the next chapter in your lives, I encourage you to continue to defy the odds that may come against you. I encourage you to continue to pursue your goals and dreams and work hard to achieve them. Never stop believing in yourselves and never stop believing in your abilities.”

Five students then took the stage one at a time to address the audience and share the personal journeys they took to complete their high school education. Katery Garcia, 22, is a mom of two baby girls and said her daughters were her biggest inspiration and reason for completing her diploma.

“Everything I do is for them,” Garcia said. “I just want to make them proud.”

Rebecca Guerrero shared how she lost focus in high school and got a job instead of completing her education. After becoming a single mother, Guerrero was forced to work long hours at Raley’s before she eventually opened an automotive repair business in March 2014. Years later, Guerrero wanted to pursue a high education degree but knew she would need to get her GED or high school diploma first.

“After thinking about it and realizing my regret of not reaching my goal for high school, I decided to get my diploma instead of my GED,” Guerrero said. “This is an educational achievement for all of us, an achievement I have always desired and tonight I am pleased to tell you that achievement has been accomplished. It’s never too late to accomplish your educational goals.”

Allen Hoze took the time to thank his friends and family and the team at Adult Education for making his goals possible. Cindy Marquez Sandoval shared how she came to the United States four years ago from a rural community in Mexico. When she arrived in the U.S., Sandoval could not speak English or drive. Sandoval worked tirelessly over the next few years transitioning from the ESL program, obtaining her driver’s license, securing employment and eventually finishing her education at Woodland Adult Education. Sandoval is now working on getting a real estate license.

Darrell Davis said he was always ashamed that he had never graduated high school and would lie about finishing when asked. So in 2021, at the age of 63, Davis made the call to Woodland Adult Education.

“That call changed my life,” Davis emphasized. “I was full of self-doubt that I couldn’t finish high school at my age, but I enrolled in the program. I remember walking into the classroom building with my heart pounding. I asked the young lady at the desk ‘where is this high school class?’ No more lying.”

After the speakers, five students were presented with scholarships totaling $10,000. Guerrero was the recipient of the largest amount at $3,000. The scholarships came from the Helen Nash Scholarship Fund — a fund started by Helen Nash, a former consultant for the Yolo County Superintendent of Schools, who wanted to reward adult students for their efforts and show that education does not have to end with a high school diploma or GED.

The evening culminated with the students receiving their diplomas, GED and HISET certificates and moving their tassels from right to left, signifying the completion of a long-sought-after goal.

“Many of you have truly transformed your lives, oftentimes against seemingly impossible odds,” Liu said. “You’ve shared your stories with many of us and we know this to be true. So again, I congratulate you on this amazing accomplishment.”