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MILESTONES ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS

June 30, 2016

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On Thursday, June 16th we recognized the accomplishments of more than 340 graduates who completed their career training, GED and ESL programs. During her address to students, Mayor Muriel Bowser commended graduates for putting education first.

New citizen and Carlos Rosario School graduate Yorlenys Maradiaga, originally from Honduras, encouraged her classmates to spread the word about the power of education. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for someone else helping us to see that with education we have so many more opportunities in life,” Yorlenys said.

The ceremony highlighted the accomplishments of 147 career training graduates completing hands-on classes in health, technology, and culinary arts and received industry-specific certifications which will help launch and grow careers. Thirty students earned their GED making this the largest cohort to pass the test since the new GED was implemented. Additionally, thanks to a partnership with the Mexican Consulate 61 students were recognized for reaching important milestones toward their GED receiving elementary and middle school certificates. These are often students whose education was interrupted by forces beyond their control.

“Washington region employers are clamoring for a skilled, bilingual workforce,” said Allison Kokkoros, CEO. “The Carlos Rosario School model and our graduates today are the answer to this demand. Today’s graduates are tomorrow’s restaurant owners, bilingual educators, criminal justice attorneys, and nonprofit leaders. We are filled with pride for our graduates and for the contributions they bring to our region.”
The ceremony included a special recognition of students and staff who have become new Americans in the past two years — many of whom will be voting for the first time in this year’s election. They are following in the footsteps of the more than 1,000 new American citizens who have been supported along their paths by the school.

Graduation concluded with the awarding of $162,800 worth of scholarship funds to 45 graduates and alumni pursuing higher education at schools such as the University of The District of Columbia and the George Washington University. Click here if you’re interested in donating to the Carlos Rosario School scholarship fund.

Graduation Summary
$162,800 in scholarship funds awarded
147 Career Training Graduates
30 GED Graduates
40 New Citizens