CDD Graduation Ceremony 6-1-10

Graduation Event Wrap Up




Session Beginning Date: April 27th 2010

Graduation Date: June 1st 2010

Location: Santa Monica Recreation Center

Time: 7:00pm

Emcee: Wendell Bennett

Guest Speaker: Kathy Porter

Keynote Speaker: David Schumm

Names of Instructors:

Cri-Help- Smriti Raghunathan, Ryan Bailon, Wendell Bennett, Robert Sandoval

Walden House- Peter Downey, Soni Nagatani, Derin Oyekan, Agreja Sharman

House of Uhuru- Chris Liu, Micah Roth, Jeffery Charlot, Victor Acevedo








We quietly took our seats in among an audience of a hundred or more. It was the first of the month, a warm June month and by the looks of the audience, they were enjoying the weather outside. Another quick six weeks had gone by, and we had, seating in the front rows a new graduating class with stories to tell.

As the audience began to arrive the evening’s Emcee, 1st time Instructor Wendell Bennett, announced that the event would soon be starting and asked that everyone please find a seat. Wendell then commenced the ceremony with an introduction by congratulating all of the Graduates. He then offered some thoughts on what he enjoyed about teaching and the importance of the graduates continuing on with their success.

He then introduced the first speaker, longtime supporter and CDD Board Member, Katy Porter. Katy shared her passion for CDD with the audience and how inspired she is with their hard work toward a brighter future. Ms. Porter then offered some background about the night’s Keynote Speaker. Katy explained that David Schumm was a good friend and colleague. That she and David both were established members of Toastmasters and that David was also a supporter of CDD. Katy then introduced David Schumm to the audience.

Mr. Schumm’s began by congratulating the Graduates. David then began sharing important words of advice. He started first by referring to Maximus Decimus Meredius, the fictional Roman General from the movie, “Gladiator”. He quoted the General’s famous statement; “What we do in Life echoes in eternity”. The point being of the importance of making careful choices at this time in the their lives. The Speaker discussed the non-fictional historical figure of Abraham Lincoln.

David displayed the words of the Gettysburg Address on a screen in front of the audience so that everyone could read along as David discussed the speech as a way to motivate the Graduating class.

Mr. Schumm’s speech was well received by the audience. After a round of applause, the MC introduced our first Student Speaker, Arsen Altounian from Cri-Help. Arsen’s story was dramatic and a great example on how positive change can take place when one dedicates him or herself to improving the future. After listening to details of Mr. Altounian’s prison life and how he overcame ‘Lifer’ Status, we learned of his plans to start a company, of his family and eventually how he plans to give back to the community. We were all moved by his story. The following two speakers, Lariza Lara from House of Uhuru and Rodney Jackson, had similar stories reflecting their positive change that included CDD as an important positive step.
The evening wrapped up with all the Graduates being called out by name to receive their Certificates, event photographer, Mark Hanauer snapping photos as the students strode proudly to the stage. The ceremony closed with graduates, their families and CDD Members, enjoying refreshments and the joy of another successful session ending and celebratory ceremony