BALDWIN PARK – Baldwin Park Unified School District’s Adult and Community Education program (BPACE) will celebrate the accomplishments of 291 students in programs ranging from high school studies to pharmacy technician training at its annual commencement ceremony, set for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 24.

The event will be held at Baldwin Park High School’s Ted K. Gorrell Stadium, 3900 N. Puente Ave., Baldwin Park.

“We are recognizing our students for their terrific accomplishments, earning degrees and career certifications while juggling responsibilities at home and at work,” BPACE Senior Director Dr. John Kerr said. “It’s a tremendous honor to be a part of their journey.”

BPACE programs include academic efforts, such as earning a high school diploma or equivalency degree, and a host of career technical education (CTE) programs designed to funnel graduates directly into the job market.

This spring, BPACE will recognize 21 students earning their diplomas, 27 receiving equivalency degrees and 243 earning CTE certifications in automotive services (9), barbering (14), cosmetology (21), electrician (82), culinary arts (18), HVAC (9), medical assistant (50) and pharmacy technician programs (40).

Of the 291 students, 54 are expected to complete their training programs this summer.

Diploma recipient Tarah Zharny Abregana Amor will be honored as valedictorian; and diploma recipient Lourdes Suastegui Melchor will be honored as salutatorian.

The award-winning adult education program offers free tutoring, testing services and hands-on training – including at a public hair salon run by barbering and cosmetology students and a café staffed by culinary arts students.

Students can also participate in student leadership and are recognized with honors for their academic and practical skills achievements. The program’s automotive services pathway boasts a 100 percent completion rate.

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BPUSD_BPACE_1: Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education provides instruction in cosmetology as well as academic instruction and a host of other career technical education fields