July 30, 2020, Camden, N.J. – Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who face challenges that prevent them from being successful in a traditional classroom, celebrates the class of 2020 graduates across the country.

Graduation is a milestone students, families and friends look forward to being a part of after many years of hard work and dedication to education. While some of the anticipated pomp and circumstance was absent from 2020 graduation celebrations due to COVID-19-related restrictions, SESI school directors, teachers, and support staff honored their students’ achievements with live virtual graduations, senior surprise baskets, celebratory parades and more.

“During these challenging times, graduation feels different, but in no way does that diminish the accomplishments of our students,” said Andrea Vargas, president of SESI. “We are very proud of how our students across the country overcame and succeeded in graduating despite the obstacles they faced with school closures and remote learning.”

Instead of walking across the stage, teachers from SESI’s High Road Schools of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, brought the ceremony directly to the graduating students. They created senior surprise baskets that included each student’s certificate of completion, cap, gown and tassels, along with other fun items such as cookies, cupcakes, a sweatshirt, T-shirt, and yard sign to display with pride. Teachers and staff from the High Road Schools of Maryland celebrated their seniors with a personalized in-person traveling graduation ceremony at each of the student’s homes.

“Since starting our continuity of learning plan, SESI’s teachers went above and beyond to both support and engage their students. These incredible staff members put together gift bags and traveled to visit each of their students,” said Vargas. “Witnessing this level of dedication from our staff reminds me of the important work we do and how thoughtful actions outside of the classroom can raise our students’ spirits at times when it is needed the most.”

At the Sierra Academy of San Diego, staff held a virtual ceremony to celebrate their 2020 high school graduates. They also recognized eighth-graders moving up to high school.

Specialized Education Services, Inc. serves students in grades K–12 (aged 5-21) with exceptionalities including but not limited to autism spectrum disorders, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, ADHD, other health impairments, and oppositional defiant disorder.

Press Contact
Jennifer Leckstrom
RoseComm for SESI
(215) 681-0770
[email protected]