Gifford School hosts first ceremony of its own

They come from many walks of life, and many different high schools.

Yet tonight, for the first time, Gifford Street students will toast their accomplishments together.

Gifford Street, Elgin Area School District U-46's alternative high school, will host its first recognition ceremony at 7 p.m. for its 46 graduating students.

In past years, the school has simply sent its graduates back to their respective home schools to receive their diplomas. This year's group, school officials say, wanted to celebrate their achievements together.

Students often come to the school if they are credit-deficient, have attendance or behavioral issues, or are teen parents, guidance counselor Jessica Cullinane said.

Some attend the school as little as one semester. Others, for more than three years.

Cullinane and PE/health teacher Diane Peterson organized the ceremony.

"Our graduating students last year had come to us and said they really wished they could participate in a ceremony here at Gifford Street," Cullinane said.

"I think, for the staff, too, the chance to wish the students an official 'Hey, good luck' is important."

Pierre Cavin, 19, of Bartlett said that a year ago he didn't think he was going to make it to graduation.

"Going to Gifford Street was really the turning point," he said. "They made it a lot harder for me to fall out of line here."

Cavin plans to attend classes at Elgin Community College next fall to get his grades up, before hopefully attending a four-year college to play football.

Erika Chavez, 18, also of Bartlett, had her hands full this semester with a newborn daughter, a part-time job at Chuck E. Cheese, and finishing graduation requirements.

"I barely had free time these past few months," Chavez said. "But I always tried to put school and the baby first."

Chavez plans to take some time off to be with her daughter before attending ECC to get her nursing certificate, she said.

Along with Cavin and Chavez, about 20 more of the school's 46 graduates plan to go to the ceremony, Cullinane said.

Former state Sen. Steven Rauschenberger will be the keynote speaker.

Newly nominated Superintendent Jose Torres, school board President Ken Kaczynski and board member Donna Smith all plan to attend.

Gifford students will also receive diplomas at their respective graduations Saturday.

"This is really just a chance to recognize our own," Mallory said.