This June we celebrated the successes of three hundred sixty-four students from ESL, GED, citizenship, and career training programs! This included a record 64 GED graduates and 99 elementary and middle school diplomas earned through the Carlos Rosario Plaza Comunitaria program in partnership with the Mexican Consulate.

During her welcoming remarks President and Founder Sonia Gutierrez acknowledged the dedication of students who often work two and three jobs, care for families and still make education a priority. Followed by the remarks, greetings were brought by Councilmember Jim Graham, Ward 1; Skip McKoy, Chairman of the DC Public Charter School Board; and Carlos Rosario School Board Chair Alberto Gomez.

Emilia Rivera, founder of the Carlos Rosario School culinary arts program, was also honored for her more than 30 years of dedication to the program.

After diplomas were handed out, scholarship winners were recognized. This included one student who received $3,000 toward her studies at the Washington College of Law; a brother and sister pair who were awarded $3,000 each to begin classes at Northern Virginia Community College; and a culinary arts student who will be heading to Ana G. Mendez to continue his culinary arts training.

Executive Vice President Allison R. Kokkoros concluded the ceremony by encouraging students to take what they’ve learned at Carlos Rosario School and build upon it to benefit those around them.

Click here to see a video of graduation.