by Andrew Perez on 2014-06-25

On the afternoon of June 21st, families, friends, and distinguished guest were in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of Rising Stars Business Academy YouthBuild class of 2014. The graduate class was comprised of students who struggled to complete their previous high school career due to various internal and external conflicts that hindered their abilities to finish. Rising Stars Business Academy YouthBuild (RSBA) in partnership with the WASC-Accredited YouthBuild Charter School of California (YCSC) has encouraged and supported these students to complete their high school diploma. The organization's website shares, “Rising Stars Business Academy (RSBA) is committed to giving students a second chance. Many of our students come from disenfranchised backgrounds, credit deficiency or are considered ‘at-risk’ youth… In preparing our students to achieve their High School Diploma, we will prepare them for the Real World, including Business, Entrepreneurship and Post-Secondary Education.”. Lincoln Berridge a counselor and student mentor mentioned that RSBA, “students receive a high school diploma and not a G.E.D.” Students can move on to careers and or higher education that often require them to have a HS diplomas. “This school is great,” says Benjamin Guzman, a RSBA graduate who attended for two years. He further states, “I got to this point late. I was supposed to graduate in 2012 but thanks to this school I was able to graduate today… I’m glad I didn’t pass my old high school and came here because I learned things that are going to help me in the future. The teachers here care and work with you one by one and when you fall behind, they work with you to catch up. They (teachers, counselors and mentors) do a lot for you… and thanks to this school I am motivated to go to college and receive a higher and better education.” Benjamin plans to attend the University of California Riverside and eventually the University of Southern California to fulfill his dream of becoming a computer engineer. Lincoln Berridge gave a statement after the ceremony, “These kids have to be encouraged more. We are in a community where these kids are being disappointed so much and people have given up on them. Not just from an educational standpoint but from a family standpoint. As you can see, if you take the time to work with them and love them a little bit, the outcome is good. They graduate and they become good citizens in the community. Our philosophy is we are not trying to compete with anybody. We love Moreno Valley School District and Dr. White; we are very strong supporters of her and what they do. We are all on the same page. From a community standpoint we are just trying to encourage kids and build them up and let them know that they can be successful, that they can achieve the goals that they have set, that they can get their diploma and regardless of what people are saying to them, they can make those achievements.” Actor Noel G., a good friend of Alicia Berridge (CEO and Founder of RSBA) and Lincoln Berridge (Counselor) attended the graduation to share some powerful words of encouragement to the class of 2014. He shared the story of how he became an actor and challenged the class to keep chasing their dreams. 73 wonderful students graduated because of their perseverance and support from the partnerships of The Rising Stars Business Academy YouthBuild and YouthBuild Charter School of California. They were full of life and energy on this day. They cheered and were ecstatic the entirety of the ceremony. They have overcome a great accomplishment. Congrats class of 2014. [END] 2014 Commencement Ceremony Date: Saturday, June 21, 2014 Time: 2:00 p.m. Event Location: Crossword Chruch Address: 21401 Box Springs Rd. Moreno Valley CA 92557 Description: Come and join us as another year comes to an end, yet is is a beginning to young high school graduates all over the country. Out students have worked hard to see this day, and we would like for you to come and congratulate our students with your presence and spirit of good wishes. Please RSVP your spaceCONTACT INFO Phone: 310-864-2596 or 951-570-2257 Email: benedito.orduno@rsbacademy.org Hello, It is a bitter sweet moment when another year comes to an end. Bitter because the students that we have become so attached to are leaving, but sweet because they will be walking across the stage to receive their High School Diploma and will be pursuing bigger and better things. We are cordially inviting you to the Rising Stars Business Academy YouthBuild's 2014 Commencement Ceremony. Special guests such as, Mayor Owings, Council Member Molina, Field Representative Altie Holcomb (Senator Roth’s Office), MVUSD Superintendent Dr. White, and others have already confirmed their attendance. We would like for Moreno Valley City News to cover the graduation. We believe this is worthy news to give to the community. In spite of their adversities, the students were able to complete challenging academic coursework. These students come from low-income families, foster families, single-parent homes, etc. We would like to commend their success, and would want to share it with their community. Please RSVP if you are able to attend, and include if you will be bringing a guest so we can provide appropriate seating. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Crossword Church on 21401 Box Springs Rd, Moreno Valley, CA 92557 at 2:00 PM. Please print out the attached flyer for the 2014 Commencement Ceremony. It would be an honor if you can attend to wish our students luck and blessings for their future. Best Regards, RSBA Team Benedito Orduño Director of Student Services Rising Stars Business Academy benedito.orduno@rsbacademy.org www.rsbacademy.org 951.570.2257 (mobile no.) 951.684.5807 (fax no.)