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Overcoming obstacles to become TUSD’s newest grads
Senior Studies Roselawn grads
During Tuesday’s Turlock Unified School Board of Trustees meeting, 10 seniors from the class of 2024, dressed in their caps and gowns, were honored for completing the Senior Studies program and earning their high school diplomas (Photo courtesy of TUSD).

Not everybody’s journey to earning a diploma at any level of academics is the same. It’s a reality recognized by the Turlock Unified School District, which is why they offer the unique Senior Studies program.

During Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting, 10 seniors from the class of 2024, dressed in their caps and gowns, were honored for completing the program and earning their high school diplomas.

This year’s graduates were Turlock High School’s Ana Lucia Beltran, Marshall Gardner, Alan Gonzalez and Jose Zuniga, Pitman High School’s Christopher Munoz, Yahaya Sadaat, Aidan Sandoval and Komari Taylor, and Roselawn High School’s Inderpal Bal and Isabella Torres.

Senior Studies Pitman

For six weeks over the summer, students enrolled in the Senior Studies program focused on specific coursework needed to earn their diploma. Throughout that time they received collaborative support from staff and their families to see them to the finish line.

“Every school year, TUSD high schools celebrate the graduating class to memorialize our student’s accomplishments and hard work over their K-12 educational careers. At times, there are students who have not yet completed all state and local graduation requirements and simply need a little more time and opportunity to do so,” explained John Acha, TUSD Director of Secondary Education.

“We recognize there is a wide variety of reasons and circumstances why a student would need this additional opportunity. Each year TUSD offers the Senior Studies program for those who may have fallen short on credits. We are pleased that 10 of our TUSD seniors from the class of 2024 remained focused and diligent in completing credits and earned their diploma over summer.”

Senior Studies Turlock

Since the group did not get to participate in graduation ceremonies in May, Tuesday’s meeting allowed them to be properly recognized by the trustees, the three high school principals, administration, staff and families.

“We are proud and excited to award those students who completed their credits over summer, earning their diploma, and moving onto the next major phase of their lives.” Acha said.