STOCKTON – As a student singer-songwriter from one.Charter Douglas sang and strummed her guitar, the crowd pouring into the County Operated Schools and Programs Student Awards Night continued to grow.
Since this was the first Awards Night, organizers could only guess exactly how many family members and supporters would come to celebrate the achievements of the students in their lives.
But they came in droves, filling all the seats first laid out while San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) employees hustled to bring in more chairs to handle the growing crowd of students, their families and other supporters.
Beyond the awards themselves, this show of support is important for the students, said Janine Cuaresma, Assistant Superintendent of County Operated Schools and Programs at SJCOE. “It endorses all of the hard work and the goals that they’ve accomplished.”
Students received awards for writing, being English-language proficient, having perfect attendance and other achievements. Some of the students have had struggles, both inside and outside the classroom, and might not have received many awards in the past.
But that made the achievements stand out even more.
“I thought maybe if we support him, he’d keep doing what he was doing to get this award,” said Paul Hammer, whose son was a Student of the Month.
San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools James Mousalimas added his support in his opening remarks, saying that he was proud of the students for what they had done and what they could do. “We have great confidence in your future.”
The top award for the night – the Concept of one. – was reserved for students who exemplified the core mission of SJCOE Alternative Programs.
It’s a reminder that each individual is important and can make a difference in the world. But it’s also a reminder that individuals can join together and work as one. That’s when miracles can occur.
Jennifer Magana, a 14-year-old freshman at one.Lodi earned one of these awards for reflecting the characteristics at the heart of the county Alternative Programs philosophy.
She earned the award by helping create a welcoming learning environment, one.Lodi teacher Josh Renwick said. “She brings a positive attitude to school every day.”
That goes double for new students, who she will go out of her way to meet. “We made a connection with her, and she’s been able to make a connection with other students,” Renwick said.
Jennifer has been at one.Lodi for almost 2 years, but she remembers what it is like switching schools. “I know how it feels to go to a new environment.”
She said she learned that she could turn to her teachers for help or advice, but it took her some time before she felt comfortable doing that. Jennifer tries to help students feel comfortable about opening up sooner when they need support.
She said it felt good getting the award, and that it felt even better seeing her family members out in the audience during the ceremony. She thought this first annual Awards Ceremony was a good idea, and that it could help motivate other students, too, who might strive for the recognition.