View Article from Vallejo Times-Herald 

By Thomas Gase | tgase@timesheraldonline.com | Vallejo Times Herald

VALLEJO, CA – Griffin Technology Academies (GTA) proudly commemorated the outstanding accomplishments of its newly minted high school graduates this week with two uplifting and historic graduation ceremonies. The two graduations, one of which was its first ever, showcased the resilience, determination, and academic excellence displayed by the graduating Class of 2023, as they embark on the next phase of their educational and professional journeys. 

The first graduation ceremony, held on Thursday evening at Touro University, honored the almost 100 graduates of Mare Island Technology Academy High School, while today’s morning ceremony celebrated the achievements of the first two graduates from Griffin Academy High School. They not only graduated as juniors, they also left for college with AA degrees, in addition to their as high school diplomas. Both ceremonies were celebrated on Mare Island, the second one outside at historic Arden Park, amid large crowds of parents, teachers, administrators, and community members.

Superintendent Nick Driver addressed the attendees at both ceremonies, highlighting the remarkable accomplishments of the graduates and their significance for the community. Driver remarked, "Our vision for our graduates is that they have the self-confidence, academic knowledge, problem-solving, and technology skills to experience success in college and in life, and to contribute locally and globally. We have tried with each and every one of them to embed this vision in them. And we teachers, faculty, parents and community see in them these Griffin traits: dedication, perseverance, curiosity, and a love for learning. Today, we stand in awe of the immense talent, hard work, and perseverance exhibited by all of them.”

The graduation ceremony at Griffin Academy High School was historic, since it honored the school’s first two graduates. Griffin Academy High School is currently a 9-11 high school, since it was started only three years ago. Next year will be its first with all four grades, but two students jumped out ahead. Juniors Moana Laie and Arda Bozok completed all their high school credits and 60 college credits, thereby receiving their high school diplomas and their Associate of Arts (AA) degrees. Both students participated in the dual enrollment program with Contra Costa College that offers up to 60 college credits to its high school students.

This year, 90 students graduated from Mare Island Technology Academy High School with a large group of students attending CSU Sacramento, UC Davis, Solano Community College and Napa Valley College.

Throughout their academic journey, GTA students have benefitted from a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, supported by exceptional teachers and staff. The graduation ceremonies served as a testament to the commitment of the school's faculty in providing a nurturing and safe environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. As the graduates crossed the stage, they were met with thunderous applause and jubilation from their loved ones. The ceremonies were filled with joy, tears of pride, and a sense of accomplishment as each graduate received their diploma, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

“GTA congratulates the exceptional Class of 2023 and extends its gratitude to the parents, teachers, staff, and the entire school community for their unwavering support in helping the graduates reach this momentous milestone,” Driver concluded.

About Griffin Technology Academies
GTA is a local network of four high-performing, tuition-free public charter schools dedicated to serving the Vallejo community's diverse, underserved student population. The four schoolsconsist of: Mare Island Technology Academy (MIT MS 6-8), MIT Academy (MIT HS 9-12), Griffin Academy Middle School (Griffin MS 6-8), and Griffin Academy High School (Griffin HS 9-12). Our mission is to prepare students to be ready for college, career, and life through diverse, innovative instructional programs that focus relentlessly on student academic achievement and social and emotional well-being. To learn more about GTA, please visit: https://griffintechnologyacademies.org or gtaschools.org.