About 130 graduating high school seniors from the Los Angeles Unified School District who have been homeless or faced housing insecurity were recognized during a special ceremony on Monday, May 20.
The 11th annual recognition ceremony, which featured two student speakers and included a special lunch for the soon-to-be graduates afterward, took place at BMO Stadium in Exposition Park.
School board member Nick Melvoin said he was struck by the grace and maturity of the students who have overcome obstacles which no young person should have to face.
“These are some of the most humble students. They’re so grateful to their teachers and their counselors,” Melvoin said. “And I’m grateful to them for proving why public education is important.”
According to Melvoin, the two students who addressed their classmates shared the following personal stories:
James Monroe High School senior Janai Johnson moved around a lot throughout her K-12 years. Because she did not want to change schools after moving again, Johnson currently commutes two hours each way to get to and from campus.
Juan Mesa, a student at Edward R. Royal Learning Center, lived in unstable housing situations after emigrating from Colombia with his family. Mesa had to learn English when he arrived, and despite working 20 to 30 hours a week while juggling school work, he completed at least 150 hours of community service throughout his high school career.
Johnson is expected to attend Cal State Channel Islands and Mesa will attend UC Davis on a full scholarship, according to Melvoin’s office.
In addition to the student speakers, the ceremony featured remarks by Luis Rodriguez, an author, poet and activist who told the students that if they love themselves, others will flock to support them in their goals.
Monday’s event — separate from the graduation ceremonies that the students will take part in next month — was put on by L.A. Unified’s homeless education office.
Over the years, the school district has ramped up efforts to support its homeless student population, including launching a mentorship program for homeless and chronically absent students, creating calming study spaces at family shelters across the city and offering a mobile laundry service.
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