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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES | 53

High School Graduates in Foster Care Earn Their Golden Tickets F aith-based partners and community supporters pulled out the stops to celebrate graduates in the Class of 2024 at the annual foster youth high school graduation dinner. More than half of the 122 high school graduates Graduates by the Numbers 8 graduates going to a 4-year college 55 graduates going to a community college

in Riverside County foster care attended the Willy Wonka themed event, hosted by Harvest Fellowship Church in Riverside. Speakers, including Bridgette Hernandez, Assistant Director of Children’s Services, applauded the graduates for their resilience and for overcoming hurdles that keep nearly half of foster youth statewide from achieving high school graduation. “Never stop dreaming. Dreaming is what got you here today. As you stand at the beginning of this next chapter in your life, I want you to remember the power of dreaming. Dreams help ignite your passions and shape your journey ahead. Hold onto your dreams tightly,” Hernandez told the graduates and their guests. “Each dream you nurture today has the potential to blossom into something extraordinary tomorrow.”

2 graduates going to trade school 2 graduates enlisting in the military

The Youth and Community Resource Region of Children’s Services sponsors the celebration each year. This year’s graduates received a gift basket, and a gift card purchased with donations from the community. Dinner with appetizers and dessert and plenty of treats, including a popcorn station and photo booths, added to the festivities. Graduates were able to print photos from the evening and receive a 4x6 frame commemorating the special event and the milestone they achieved.