It Takes A Visions Village: Behind-the-Scenes Of Graduation Day
Graduation day at Visions is a multi-faceted, large-scale event that, at the same time, feels deeply personal for many. A year of planning and coordination for staff and four years of growth, work, and determination for students come together in a single culminating moment of celebration.
Behind-the-scenes (and backstage and in basements) is a dedicated Grad Team who puts together all the pieces of the big day. From venue coordination to event planning to overseeing day-of logistics, our Grad Team truly makes the magic happen.
“As part of the Grad Team, I supported the back end of the project,” explains Administrative Assistant Lindsey Nance. “I was responsible for making sure the vendors were scheduled and ordering and purchasing things for the big day, including the diplomas. Working alongside Jackie Ochoa and Keely Adams, we all made sure that things were printed and prepared, packed in their respective bins, and ready for the facilities team to transport.”
Operations Manager Kevin Wellsfry oversees our amazing Facilities team, which includes Facilities Support Technicians Richard Eldridge and Brandon Favero, Maintenance Worker Adam Steffensrud, and Student Services Representative Manuel Garcia. Together, they do a lot of the metaphorical (and physical!) heavy lifting, everything from packing and transporting items to providing guest assistance to implementing safety measures for all staff, students, and families.
“I try to stay as proactive, organized, and as communicative as possible to effectively support my team and manager during the ceremony, and try to contribute as much as I can to these families’ memorable events,” says Richard.
Despite the work that happens behind the curtain, there are also elements to graduation day that are a bit more front-facing, such as coordinating the staff on stage and organizing our grad speakers and performers.
“I have the wonderful opportunity to work closely with the students who deliver speeches or perform at our graduation ceremony,” shares Associate Director of Equity & Student Engagement Ron Thomas. “It is truly an honor and one of the highlights of the school year for me to be part of their journey as they prepare for this special moment.”
Collaborative and Connected
As mentioned, multiple departments – Student Services, Facilities, Counseling, the Superintendent’s Office, and more – collaborate to make this day possible. On the day of, our staff remain proactive, organized, and communicative, ready to respond in real-time to student needs. Whether it’s managing student performers, offering emotional support, or helping families navigate ticketing in scorching heat or pouring rain, the team never wavers.
“I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to our teachers and counselors! They provide guidance, encouragement, and an unwavering belief in our students on their journey to graduation,” shares Jamee Block, Associate Director of State & Federal Program. “Their efforts have made all the difference for our graduates and helped to shape them into confident and capable individuals ready for their next chapter.”
The best part of graduation for many of our staff members is getting the opportunity to see the product of their collective efforts. Not only does it provide a sense of achievement and purpose, but it also makes for some great memories.
“I have the best job ever…well, almost!” says Director of Human Resources Donna Glenn. “I get to talk to families who need to pick up will call tickets. We get to see all the joy in the families’ faces who are so excited to see their loved one graduate.”
Donna adds, “Why I say ‘almost’ the best job ever is one year it was 105 degrees outside and then mid-year graduation was pouring rain. I could not be prouder of the team that supports this area no matter what the weather has in store for us!”
In our pursuit to get 1% better every day, Visions’ Grad Team has continued to expand to include more voices – teachers, counselors, staff, and community members – in an effort to ensure that our ceremonies remain thoughtful and inclusive. This year, these new voices brought additional feedback and perspective, catalyzing incremental improvements to enhance both student experience and event execution.
“Our continuous improvement moves included adding a Saturday Grad Checkout, enhancing our Wellness space, and adding engaging and fun activities in the basement for students as they waited to emerge from the basement to shine for their special moment,” explains Director of Student Services Matt Patterson (pictured right, center). “With the feedback provided, we prioritized which would make the most impact and improvement.”
The Stories That Stay With Us
Every year at graduation, we know to expect the unexpected. It could be a student bringing their cat to the ceremony, doing a flip while they’re receiving their diploma, or handing their baby to family right before crossing the stage. No matter the circumstance, there are always a few stories that our team never forgets.
“At this year’s morning graduation, a graduate was accompanied to rehearsal by a California Highway Patrol captain, who revealed that he had been the partner of her father, a CHP officer killed in the line of duty 12 years ago. The graduate had long struggled with anxiety in large settings, but found success and support as a student at Visions,” explains Director of Accountability & Data Services Soren Gutierrez. “Concerned about how she would handle the ceremony, we reassured the captain that many accommodations and supports were in place for her comfort. In the end, the graduate confidently walked the stage on her own, and although I was in and out of the auditorium during the ceremony, by some small grace of God, I heard her name called and felt an incredible moment of pride that I had a small part in supporting her….but really knowing that Visions as a whole had done so much for her along the way.”
Our team goes above and beyond to support our students in countless ways, and graduation day is no exception. Whether it’s providing caps, gowns, or tassels to those who forget them, helping graduates who arrive without completing checkout, or offering a quiet space during the hustle of the day, our staff are always ready to step in.
This year, we even had a staff member assist a student who was experiencing homelessness, and who was attending the ceremony alone, by buying him leis from a street vendor and notifying staff so they could cheer for him as he crossed the stage. These stories connect us to purpose, and remind us that at Visions, every student, story, and success matters.
“One of the most meaningful parts of this work is seeing the excitement and pride in our students as they graduate. It’s especially memorable when you’ve supported a student throughout their journey, often from a distance—and then the first time you meet them in person is on their graduation day,” says Counseling Program Manager Mariah Ernst-Collins. “That moment, when everything comes full circle, is incredibly powerful and reminds me why we do what we do.”
Thank you, Grad Team, for your unending efforts and service. None of this would be possible without you – guides, mentors, and champions for our students. It’s good to be Visions!