CDD Graduation Ceremony 3-23-10

Graduation Event Wrap Up

Session Beginning Date: February 16, 2010

Graduation Date: March 23, 2010

Location: Santa Monica Recreational Center
1450 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Time: 7pm

Emcee: Loryn Napala

Guest Speakers: Caroline Corser

Names of Instructors:

Cri-Help- Smriti , Tyson , Kenneth , Robert

Houe of Uhuru-Chris, Juan, Loryn, Mark

Walden House-Gritt, Soni, Ethan


The first teaching session of 2010 culminated on March 23, 2010 as Crossing the Digital Divide celebrated with a Graduation Ceremony held at the Santa Monica Recreational Center. There were nearly a hundred guests in attendance to honor the 28 graduates from the three computer centers:Cri-Help, House of Uhuru and Walden House.

Beginning just after 7pm, the emcee, Loryn Napala, welcomed guests and congratulated students for their dedication and hard work. To inspire the students, keynote speaker Caroline Corser, contributing author to the book, “Happiness is a Decision of the Heart” was introduced. Enlivening the crowd with her witty accounts of her computer interactions, she had the crowd amused with her important message of finding laughter in timesof perplexity.

Richard Rojas, graduating student from Cri-Help, then started the ‘Student Stories’ section of the ceremony. Elaborating upon his Plan for Success, he spoke of the skills gained from being diligent in computer class and spoke of his hopes to better the future for himself and for his family. Christopher McCowen, graduation representative for the House of Uhuru then spoke, telling of his goal to become a linguist, taking the opportunity to show his gratitude to CDD in a colorful array of languages. Lastly, Kenneth Slocum of Walden House, spoke of his appreciation for the computer class and his plans to use the skills learned for his Custom Bike Business.

Graduation certificates were then presented to the proud students, touching the crowd with their enthusiasm and success. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks, wrapping a beautiful Session One highlight for both the teacher volunteers and for CDD.