June, 2010
Alliance of Black Educators
honors student achievement
SAN JOSE -- Nearly 300 students graduating from elementary, middle and high schools throughout the county were honored recently at the annual Student Recognition Ceremony of the Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators.
This was the organization's 21st annual ceremony, recognizing student achievement in areas such as Leadership, Academics, Athletics and Spiritual Consciousness.
"There are two main reasons to have this program," said committee member Rufus H. White. "To let the students know that somebody has noticed they are doing well...and to applaud them in front of their families and peers."
He added that the program serves a third function as well: "To let the community know that there are African-American students doing very well. "
Some families in attendance had high school students being honored for the third time. "You'll have parents say, 'This is my daughter–it's her third one.' You can see their eyes light up."
The event started in small venues, but grew to the point where the organization was holding two separate events to accommodate everyone. Soon after, it was moved to the San Jose Convention Center.
Speakers included County Board of Education member Leon Beauchman, with motivational speaker Wil Cason giving the keynote. Also speaking was Dr. Charles Weis, Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools. In his talk he quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, "Faith is taking the first step ... even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Dr. Weis then urged the students to "enjoy the moment. Have faith. And enjoy your journey up that staircase."
Date last updated: June 4, 2010
