OTAN invites nominations of California adult education learners who are successful as a result of the education received at adult education agencies for the California Adult Education Students Succeed program. The program honors outstanding students who are adults with significant life responsibilities, who have made positive contributions to the community, established and met life goals by attending an adult education program, improved the life situations of self and others, and overcome difficult circumstances in order to pursue adult learning experiences. The program recognizes the hard work that outstanding adult education students have completed in the pursuit of their personal, academic, and professional goals and aspirations.
You can read stories and watch videos from previous years by clicking on the Students tab. You can also explore stories from specific adult education agencies and programs by clicking on the Schools and Programs tabs. To learn how to nominate a student for the program and to submit an online nomination form, click on the Nomination tab.
Students Succeed Honoree: Maricela Garcia
Maricela Garcia completed her High School Diploma program during COVID isolation, completing 11 online, Odysseyware classes between August 2020 and January 2021. She expresses her appreciation for the Moreno Valley Community Adult School HSD program, and for her teacher, Ms. Haidee Murphy, as they allowed her the flexibility to access her HSD classes while assisting her six children with their own virtual studies. Maricela describes the health crisis as "a challenge, a curse, and a blessing." She says, "It has brought me the opportunity to concentrate on my education and help my children with their studies as well. I was able to finally finish my journey of earning a high school diploma and my future plans are to obtain a better job. Words can't express how I feel. I am excited, happy, and overwhelmed with joy. It wasn't easy. I can say it wasn't easy being a wife, a mother of six kids, and having a full-time job. I did break down, but I did it. Having my high school diploma will open up doors for me to a better life!"