Graduation Celebration for STEP Program Students

Graduates with colorful leis celebrate their achievements during the STEP program graduation ceremony.

News Summary

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s STEP program honored 18 graduates from its adult special education program in a heartfelt ceremony. Joined by friends and family, the event featured unique expressions of joy as graduates received their certificates. The STEP program aims to provide life and work skills to young adults with special needs, helping them transition into independent living and employment. As they embark on their next chapters, the graduates will continue to receive support from regional centers, enhancing their life skills and confidence.

Costa Mesa – The Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s STEP program celebrated the graduation of 18 students from its adult special education program during a ceremony held on Wednesday evening at the Harper Assessment Center. Friends, family members, faculty, and other supporters gathered to honor the graduates’ achievements and mark this significant life milestone.

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates of completion to the graduates, with faculty members and administrators taking part in the process. Instead of the traditional applause seen at high school graduations, attendees expressed their enthusiasm by waving their hands in the air and wiggling their fingers, adding a unique and joyful element to the event.

The STEP program, which stands for Seamless Transition Enrichment Program, is specially designed to provide work and life skills to adults with special needs up to the age of 22. The curriculum focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills for transitioning into jobs and independent living situations. As a result, students graduating from the program have various paths ahead of them; some will pursue post-secondary studies, while others will directly enter the workforce.

Following graduation, the graduates will continue to receive support from Southern California’s regional centers, ensuring they have the necessary resources and assistance as they embark on their next chapter. The skills developed through the program, along with the relationships formed during their time in STEP, are expected to significantly enrich the graduates’ lives.

Special education coordinator Kim Doyle highlighted the program’s overarching objective to improve the overall quality of life for its participants. She emphasized that the skills, connections, and confidence gained through STEP play an instrumental role in preparing students for adult life.

The graduation ceremony was described as smaller and more personal than traditional high school ceremonies. Graduates donned colorful candy and flower leis, a symbol of celebration, while they were surrounded by loving family and friends who shared in their successes. This personal touch reflects the program’s aim to provide a similar rite of passage experience that young adults typically encounter as they transition into adulthood.

As the STEP program continues to grow, it remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all its participants. The focus is not only on academic achievement but also on enhancing life skills that contribute to a fulfilling and independent future. The dedication of the faculties, combined with the encouragement from families and friends, plays a vital role in the success of the STEP program and the graduates it serves.

In conclusion, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s STEP graduation ceremony marks a significant achievement not only for the 18 graduates but for the entire community. With a strong support network and essential life skills, these young adults are poised to embrace their future, whether that entails further education or entering the workforce.