SCOE Celebrates Alternative and Special Education Program Graduates
May 30, 2025 - The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) celebrated the graduation of students in its alternative education and special education programs during two ceremonies held in Santa Rosa this week.
Four Amarosa Academy students earned their high school diplomas and turned their tassels during the first ceremony, which took place at the Dutton Avenue campus on Wednesday, May 28. The school site is operated by SCOE and provides an alternate pathway to graduation for students who learn best outside of a traditional school setting, including pregnant and parenting teens.
The second ceremony happened Friday, May 30, at SCOE and celebrated 21 graduates of the office’s Transition and Specialized Health Services programs. Both programs serve students ages 18-22. The Transition Program specifically helps students with disabilities develop independent living and job-readiness skills. The Specialized Health Services program also focuses on functional life skills and supports students who need specialized medical care.
"Every student who graduated this week has overcome unique challenges to reach this point, and my staff, the County Board of Education, and I are honored to celebrate this important milestone alongside them and their families,” said Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter. “These graduations remind us why we do this work — because every student deserves a pathway to success that meets their needs and honors their potential."
Also honored on May 30 were three students from the Transition Program in the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District who were previously enrolled in the SCOE equivalent. During that ceremony, student speaker Oscar Moya Carrillo encouraged his fellow graduates to "do good things" and plan for success.
"Do what you want to do in life," Moya Carrillo said. "Don't regret decisions you've made."
The Amarosa Academy graduation ceremony included comments from SCOE’s Alternative Education Director Angela Scardina and Sonoma County Board of Education President Gina Cuclis, both of whom underscored the significance of the celebration.
"One of the most inspiring experiences of my year is watching SCOE’s Alternative Education students graduate,” Cuclis said. “They show resilience and the potential that resides within every young person when given the right educational tools and support. The Sonoma County Board of Education is honored to celebrate our graduates’ achievements with them."