This blog post is brought to you by Marisol N., who oversees the Career Online High School Program.
Congratulations to the most recent Career Online High School graduating class! Pima County Public Library is proud to present the Class of 2021, our largest graduating class yet, with 32 new graduates!
The graduation ceremony was held on May 20, 2022 at Flowing Wells Library, making it our first in-person ceremony since the start of the pandemic. Close to 150 people were in attendance to celebrate the graduates' remarkable achievements. The ceremony was filled with inspirational words and speeches from Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva (Vice Chair, District 5), Library Director Amber Mathewson, Smart Horizons representatives along with students’ academic coaches, and library staff who are dedicated to supporting the Career Online High School program. The Pima Library Foundation also made a special presentation in form of a donation to support future students in the program.
In attendance were 16 out of the 32 graduates who fulfilled their dream of walking in their caps and gowns to receive their diplomas in front of family and friends. Two students who could not make the ceremony sent letters about their experience:
Graduate Jeff said: “This program and the people involved with it are so helpful and so encouraging to those of us working toward our education goals. I wish I could thank each and every one individually and tell them how much this has meant to me. Thank you to the donors and Career Online High School for helping me achieve my goals.”
Graduate Lequisha said: “Thank you to the sponsors and the library and Smart Horizons. You guys know what you did to help me, but you have no idea the impact on my life and family’s life. Thank you for giving me a second chance in life. Thank you for the hope. Thank you for being my friend! Go class of 2021!!!!”
We want to give a special thank you to the Pima Library Foundation, the Friends of the Pima County Public Library, the Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library, and the Green Valley & Sahuarita Friends of the Library for their donations. Their generous support of Career Online High School is crucial in these students’ success stories!
