The Community Adult School Class of 2009 was out to prove to themselves and their families that a little education can go a long way.
The importance of their achievement did not go unappreciated by the 200 family or friends in attendance during their graduation ceremony June 18, as evidenced by the standing ovation and tears of joy for the 18 graduates and the small number of GED earners who participated in the ceremony, which took place Thursday in the Britton Middle School Auditorium.
School Board President Don Moody said their achievements were perhaps more impressive than a regular high school diploma.
"No one can take this away from you," Moody said. "Enjoy what you have accomplished. It's yours forever."
The diploma or GED will open doors for the graduates, Moody said, because it shows people that they have the "intelligence, drive and the wherewithal to achieve great things."
Married couple Dianna and John Dariano, 41 and 42, each earned degrees. She joked that their 15-year-old son helped tutor them in math, adding that she was surprised with how much support they got from their friends and family during their return to school. Dariano earned her high school diploma while John earned a GED.
"We would come through the door after night school and (our children) would want to know our test scores, 'How'd you do?' They were so supportive," Dariano said.
Dariano said she was inspired to go back because she didn't want any of her four children to "come back and say, 'You didn't do it so why should we?'
"I'm actually really proud. I'm wondering why I didn't do it before. It would have been so much easier. Now, we had our grandchildren, our own kids, their homework, their activities, the grocery list, the laundry list," she said. "It's a lot harder."
John and Dianna Dariano were one of two married couples who graduated from the adult school this year. The second was Justina and Jeff Maldonado.
Justina Maldonado's impassioned speech brought many in the audience and on-stage to tears.
Maldonado's high school career ended when she was 16 and a teen mom, she said. Soon, she got into drugs, she said tearfully, waving her hands in front of her face as she addressed the crowd. After 16 years of troubling circumstances, Maldonado plans to attend Gavilan College to pursue a career in medical billing, she said.
Browne said many adult school students have long told themselves that they're not good enough in one way or another, be it at math or multitasking.
"But you set your priorities and you should be very, very proud of yourselves," Browne said.
Perhaps reflecting the competitive job market in a dismal economy, attendance at the adult school was up 15 percent over last year with about 425 who enrolled, Browne said.
Browne said many students were inspired to get their education this year to prove to their own families that it's possible and important. Aside from these two couples, two sets of siblings earned degrees this year, too, he said.
And on Monday, a 2009 graduate brought his brother in to sign him up for classes, Browne said.
Natalie Everett
Natalie Everett Natalie Everett is the education and city reporter for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106, ext. 201, or neverett@morganhilltimes.com.
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