Tec Centro Graduates Celebrate their Success

In the corporate world, there are rarely celebrations about community. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to come back to SACA; it’s one of the reasons I wanted to come back to Lancaster. Last night’s Tec Centro graduation was a perfect example of how a community comes together to celebrate.

Even during a global pandemic, students forged through with their studies, and our educators and leadership at Tec Centro did everything they could to support them. While graduation was in the parking lot, with social distancing, masks, and elbow bumps, the joy was palpable. Both students and their family members beamed with joy.

They were proud. And they should be. Each student worked hard and learned valuable skills for their future. In total 151 students have graduated from Tec Centro programs this school year. These programs include GED (16), CNA (26), Dental Assistant (13), Medical Assistant (7), Phlebotomy (20), Culinary Arts (17), Building Maintenance (15), Forklift (35), and Welding (2).

In a time when we’re worried about the future, these students see something bright ahead for themselves. They’ve worked hard and deserved this moment of celebration.

More than 50 students attended our split graduation ceremony on Thursday in-person. We were also privileged to hear from the Acting Deputy Secretary from the Department of Human Services, Tara Williams. She spoke poignantly about how outstanding our graduates’ achievements are and how important they will be to our community’s future. I whole-heartedly agree.

There is still more work to do. Tec Centro classes continue in a hybrid model this summer and 85 students still need to complete trainings put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions. While we celebrate, we also look forward to the work ahead.

Tec Centro’s students represent what is best in our community: perseverance, ingenuity, and dedication. Moments like graduation give me excitement to face the upcoming challenges – thrilling and wonderful challenges that, in their solution, will make our community stronger and better. I look forward to celebrating those solutions with just as much joy.

 

-Jose R Lopez
President, SACA and SACA Development