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2026 Adult Education Celebration

Thank you to our students, staff, workforce, educational and community partners for helping to make our Adult Education celebration event a success this year. 

Adult Education Celebration was held on Wednesday, Apriil15, 2026 on the Visalia Adult School campus. 

Alicia Pena was in my Spring NATP class that started January 13th and ended on 3/12/26. Her career goal is to become a registered nurse one day. Life has ups and downs along with difficult struggles. Alicia continually displays a positive attitude and energetic spirit that is contagious. Alicia demonstrates compassion, commitment, patience, professionalism and responsibility in the clinical and theory setting. Alicia is the type of human being and future nurse who will provide high quality care to society and will contribute her efforts, skills, knowledge, true work ethics and values to,  improve the lives of others, to be a positive role model, using her life experiences to help others in believing that there is light at the end of the tunnel, never lose hope nor faith. 

Instructor, Mary Silva

Returning for a diploma while balancing jobs, kids, and family is a battlefield. It often takes a few false starts to find your rhythm, and Andrew Perkins knows that struggle firsthand—but last semester, everything fell into place. Purpose met persistence, and Andrew has been unstoppable. Since January, he crushed 26 credits and crossed the finish line to graduate. Next up? The COS Police Academy and a career in law enforcement. Andrew didn’t just return to school—he’s owning it. His journey proves that with persistence – intention and hard work eventually pay off.

Instructor, Ginger Allen

I’m proud to honor Brandon Hill as IET Childcare Student of the Year. Brandon is being recognized for his hard work, positive attitude and desire to further his education.  He is also a dedicated single father of three young children; one of whom is Autistic.  

Shortly after completing the Childcare class in December, Brandon enrolled and completed his High School Diploma with Ms. Ginger Allen.  He is now furthering his education and knowledge base by attending my Paraprofessional Training class.  I know he will be a great asset to any location he works at with children.  Congratulations!

Instructor, Mona Peracca

Cora grew up with a disabled family member, spending much of her childhood in healthcare settings. Although those experiences were often frightening, they also sparked a curiosity about healthcare and a desire to understand what was happening.

Observing the care nurses provided to patients and families left a lasting impression. Work with the Health Department and a partnership with the VAS VN program led her to pursue nursing

While her journey to nursing has been unconventional, those experiences have shaped a deep commitment to providing compassionate care. Cora’s story proves it's never too late to begin again.

Instructor, Cydney Alvarado

I want to recognize Justin Mauch's perseverance. Last October, at only 19, Justin experienced a stroke, creating challenges that might have stopped many—but Justin returned to school within 4 months and resumed creating episodes of ATP TV. If you haven’t seen his work, check out Visalia ATP TV on YouTube, which highlights our program. Justin’s journey reminds us that obstacles do not define us—it’s our commitment to learning and doing what we love that matters. We celebrate his dedication to ATP and the example he sets for others. As he would say, "Lets make this day AWESOME."

Instructor, Samantha Babb

I am honored to present this award to Koki Terakura. He is a dedicated and hardworking student who always gives 100 percent in everything he does. He displays his kindness by offering to help others and through the thoughtful artwork he loves to share.

Koki is not only a strong student, but also a great friend who creates a positive and happy environment for everyone. I am fortunate to have in my class. Congratulations, Koki

Instructor, Joel Castillo

It is my pleasure to introduce a student who has shared his humble, open heart with us. This gentleman decided to come back into the medical field after having worked as a CNA for many years. Then taking on a few other paths in between. Now making the choice of adventuring this new path of MB&C. An inspiration to his classmates; Grateful to have a sweet teammate who helps through the challenges of this class keeping open guidance, motivation and encouragement to his peers. Not to mention, he always has a sweet treat to share. We nominated Marcel Martinez!

Instructor, Laura Jacinto

While some people shine in the spotlight, others quietly keep everything running behind the scenes—and that is exactly where her excellence lives. Her peers describe her as someone who carries a tremendous number of duties and responsibilities, yet manages them all with grace, organization, and professionalism. The office doesn’t just function because she’s there—it thrives.

She has a remarkable ability to multitask effortlessly, moving from one responsibility to the next with a calm confidence that makes it all look easy. But what truly sets her apart is not just how well she does her job, but how much she clearly enjoys it. You can see it in her dedication, her focus, and the pride she takes in her work every single day.

Students and staff alike notice the small moments, too. A simple “morning, how are you today?” may seem like a small gesture, but it speaks volumes. For many, that brief interaction is enough to brighten their day and remind them they are seen and valued.

She brings not only skill and efficiency to her role, but also warmth, kindness, and a genuine sense of care for those around her. She is the steady presence that helps keep our campus grounded and organized.

Today, we honor her hard work, her dedication, and the positive impact she makes every day.

Congratulations to our Classified Apple Award Winner Martha Ramos.

 

Principal, Tami Olson

It is my pleasure to honor Paijah Gonzalez as Paraprofessional Training Student of the Year.  Paijah is being recognized for her hard work and ambition to pursue employment utilizing her newly acquired NCLB certification.  

        Desiring to further her education, Paijah decided to look into trade schools. She stumbled upon the Paraprofessional Training class.  During and after completing the program, she was actively applying for positions to utilize her NCLB certification.  I’m proud to share with you that she has recently been hired with CARD as a Behavior Technician and as a Special Education Aide with Tulare City Schools.  

Instructor, Mona Peracca

This morning, it is my honor to present Ryan Elkin as Student of the Year for the ABE Daytime Department.

Ryan has been enrolled in the ABE program since 2024 and has studied diligently, showing a strong commitment to his goals. He hopes to enroll in the Diploma Department in the near future. Despite challenges and unexpected detours, he has continued moving forward with determination.

Through consistent effort, Ryan completed Level 1 and is now halfway through Level 2. His progress reflects resilience, focus, and perseverance.

Congratulations to Ryan on being selected as our ABE Student of the Year.

Instructor, Alison Wahlen

It is with great pleasure to introduce our ESL Student of the Year, Sabah Qurain from Yemen. 

In 2022, she started Basic Level ESL with me at Green Acres off campus class. It took her a good semester to finally have courage enough to start participating in class a little bit. After just 3 years, that “little bit” has quickly blossomed. She is now in my Intermediate Low class on campus. Her “sweet with a little sassy” personality joyfully livens up our classroom. Her goal? Continue improving to better help her children with their educational needs. Congratulations, Sabah!

Instructor, Judy Moxley

Tony has been part of our ATP for four years and will complete the program this June, earning his Certificate of Completion. His journey hasn’t been easy—he faced challenges at home and school, and we even had a rough start together. At times, it felt like we were both just trying to make it through.  What sets Tony apart is his determination. He never gave up, he’s the only ATP student who stayed the entire time despite challenges. Tony completed the Workability Program and gained experience at a gym, Habitat for Humanity, and Los Culichi’s, showing responsibility and perseverance.

Instructor, Teresa Bilvado

As an Instructor for the Welding Technology program at Visalia Adult School, I would like to recognize Tristan Subia.

Tristan has demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and skill development in the trade. Throughout the course, Tristan learned fundamental welding techniques, shop safety, blueprint reading, and hands-on fabrication skills that prepare them for careers in manufacturing, construction, and metal fabrication. Many students, at Visalia Adult School, balance work, family responsibilities, and school while committing themselves to improving their technical abilities.

Tristan’s hard work reflects the true spirit of adult education growth, determination, and opportunity. I strongly recognize Tristan for this award and all the recognition that comes with it. 

Instructor, Mauricio Vargas

It is my privilege to award this year's Visalia Adult School Partner Award to Burlington English. Burlington English is recognized as an outstanding partner for its commitment to empowering learners through innovative language solutions. Their dedication to quality, accessibility, and measurable outcomes has made a meaningful impact on student success. Through collaboration, reliability, and a shared vision for education, Burlington English consistently demonstrates excellence and leadership. We are proud to honor their contributions and value their continued partnership in advancing learning opportunities for all students in our community.

Principal, Tami Olson

This remarkable educator has been described by her students and peers as not just a great teacher, but an inspirational one—someone who leads with love, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to every student who walks into her classroom. She creates an environment where students feel supported, valued, and capable of achieving more than they ever thought possible.

Her students say she is always there—whether it’s explaining a difficult concept with patience, answering questions late into the day, or simply being “an email away” when someone needs guidance. No matter how challenging the situation may be, she goes above and beyond to make sure no one is left behind. She doesn’t give up on her students—especially those who are struggling—and that persistence changes lives.

But what truly sets her apart is the impact she has beyond academics. She doesn’t just teach lessons—she transforms mindsets. She helps students see their own potential, builds their confidence, and inspires them to pursue goals they once thought were out of reach. One student shared that because of her encouragement, they were able to secure a job and continue their education—changing not just their path, but their future.

She also connects her classroom to the world around her, keeping students informed about opportunities and events in the community, helping them feel engaged and empowered beyond the school walls.

Simply put, she creates success stories.

For her dedication, her compassion, and her life-changing impact, it is my absolute pleasure to introduce our Credentialed Apple Award Winner – Karla Cortes.

Principal, Tami Olson

Fernando Urbina is the hardest-working student in our evening High School Diploma class. Since August, Fernando has completed a whopping 57 credits toward his diploma and is on track to graduate in June. Upon graduating, Fernando is looking forward to either moving up at Serpa Packaging, where he has been working for the last three years, or perhaps parlaying his diploma into an even better job. However, for Fernando, it is about more than getting his diploma; it’s about showing his sons Raphael and Bennie that it is important to never give up and to always focus on their goals.

Instructor, Ginger Allen

This gallery consist of all our student, staff and partner award recipients.