‘Lifelong learners,’ MVLA Adult School celebrates graduation

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Thirty students graduated from the Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District’s Adult School last week with a high school diploma or GED, with dozens more graduating from the certified nursing assistant and medical assistant programs.

In a Wednesday, June 5, ceremony in Mountain View High’s theater, the MVLA Adult School graduates gathered with family and friends to celebrate their accomplishments.

School board President Sanjay Dave noted that this was the largest graduating class at the Adult School since the pandemic, with 118 individuals across four programs. 

“Congratulations, Class of 2024. You made us all incredibly proud,” Dave told the students. “May your future be bright, your challenges be met with confidence and your dreams be realized.”

The ceremony also included speeches from four students, who spoke about their experiences at the Adult School.

Jonathan Torres, who earned his high school diploma, told the audience about his experience immigrating to the United States from El Salvador as a teenager, seeking better opportunities and a chance to support his parents back home.

When he came to the United States, Torres began by attending Woodside High School while working two full time jobs, but wasn’t able to complete his credits. 

His girlfriend encouraged him to go back to get his high school diploma, and he praised Adult School for giving him the opportunity and guidance needed to graduate.

“One of my most important desires is to be able to help my parents one day, because I am so grateful for their sacrifice,” Torres said. “I believe education will help me accomplish that.”

Torres plans to continue his studies at Foothill College and pursue a career as an electrician.

Superintendent Nellie Meyer, who is retiring this summer, congratulated the graduates for their hard work.

“Each one of you have committed to being a lifelong learner,” Meyer said. “You embody that philosophy and so we’re very proud of the work that you have done. You have persisted despite all of the barriers that get in the way.”

Check out this year’s list of MVLA Adult School graduates.

For all of our graduation coverage, go to our central graduation page.