Behind the Scenes of the Big Day: A Spotlight on the Grad Team
This year’s graduation ceremony was full of amazing performances, inspiring speeches and memories that will be forever held by students and families. Everything that comes together on that day, from the decorations to the diplomas, is carefully crafted by our rockstar Grad team, people who work for an entire school year to make just a few hours happen seamlessly.
For some people, like Director of Student Services Matt Patterson, Administrative Assistant Angelica Gallardo and Charter School Secretary Patty Braaten, this wasn’t their first rodeo. For others, like Associate Director of Equity and Student Engagement Ron Thomas, Counselor Sam Webster and Social Worker Beatriz Alcazar, this was their first experience with a Visions In Education graduation. From working with graduates throughout the school year, to helping them through grad checkout, to watching them walk across the stage, our new staff got to see firsthand the incredible feat that is graduating our students.
“I have no idea how Angelica and Patty managed to plan a cohesive graduation, let alone TWO!” says Sam. “So much work and planning goes into it and it went off without a hitch. It was truly a beautiful event!”
The success of the day is also largely attributed to Kevin Wellsfry and the Facilities team, Adam Steffensrud and Brian Hart. As the first ones there and the last ones to leave, they were an integral part of the celebration!
Student-Centered
Although a day as impressive as graduation never comes without its challenges, everyone involved worked to make sure that students’ needs were front and center, including Matt helping a student who didn’t have enough money in their bank account get a cap and gown and Sam assisting a student in need on graduation day.
“There are no words to describe how much I appreciate our social workers,” shares Ron. “Relentless interventions and support has been the motto all year and the graduation ceremony was no exception. A special shout-out to Sam Webster for simply being who she is at her core – someone that refuses to give up on any student regardless of the situation. Thanks for being flexible and in real-time supporting our students during the ceremonies.”
Of course, despite some hurdles, there were so many things to celebrate. And the best part? The opportunity to engage with our amazing students in person.
“I LOVE attending grad checkouts and graduation,” says Counselor Jen Nino. “It’s definitely the best part of the year to interact with all the students I’ve only seen on Zoom and give them hugs and congrats!”
Counselor Rija Gorkhali agrees, stating, “Graduation and grad checkouts are some of my favorite events to attend for many reasons, including finally SEEING the students that we have been working with and talked to a thousand times virtually.”
The Graduation Queen
Angelica has been the mastermind behind graduation for many years now, and those involved have not been shy in expressing their praise and gratitude for all of her hard work.
“I would like to give a HUGE shout-out to Angelica who really is the graduation QUEEN!” shares Counselor Karla Gonzalez. “Without Angelica, grad checkouts and graduation would not be possible! SO much time and detail goes into planning those hectic days, but she manages to take care of everything!”
From the beginning of the school year to graduation day, Angelica worked directly with students and families to make sure that their big day came true. Without her tireless efforts, students would miss out on one of the core memories of high school.
“Angelica’s leadership, guidance and vision provided everyone that was a part of the process to be the best versions of themselves when it came to fulfilling their roles and responsibilities,” shares Ron. “So much of what she did was inspirational.”
Thank you to our incredible Grad team and all the staff involved for making such a special day come together so beautifully!
