About 130 graduating high school seniors from the Los Angeles Unified School District who have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity were honored during a special ceremony on Monday, May 20. The 11th annual recognition ceremony took place at BMO Stadium in Exposition Park and featured two student speakers who shared their inspiring stories.
One of the speakers, Janai Johnson from James Monroe High School, shared her experience of moving frequently throughout her K-12 years and now commuting two hours each way to school. Despite the challenges, Johnson is set to attend Cal State Channel Islands. Another speaker, Juan Mesa from Edward R. Royal Learning Center, overcame unstable housing situations after immigrating from Colombia. Mesa, who will attend UC Davis on a full scholarship, worked 20 to 30 hours a week while completing over 150 hours of community service during high school.
The ceremony also included remarks from author and activist Luis Rodriguez, who encouraged the students to love themselves and believe in their goals. School board member Nick Melvoin praised the students for their resilience and determination, emphasizing the importance of public education in supporting students facing adversity.
The event, organized by L.A. Unified’s homeless education office, highlighted the district’s efforts to support homeless students, including mentorship programs, study spaces at family shelters, and a mobile laundry service. The ceremony served as a testament to the students’ strength and perseverance as they prepare to graduate and embark on their future endeavors.