DTLA resident Victor Leon, 18, was among nearly 160 college-bound youth in foster care honored at a graduation ceremony hosted by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on June 25.
The celebration was held onstage at Walt Disney Concert Hall in DTLA, with family, friends and social workers in the audience seats to fete the graduates’ achievements. The annual celebration event, now in its 36th year, recognizes high school seniors in foster care with a 2.8 grade-point average or above who plan to pursue higher education at colleges or universities.
“Witnessing the students from USC pursuing their education gave me hopes and dreams far from my reach,” recalled Leon, who grew up close to the University of Southern California (USC) and is planning to study nongovernmental organizations and social change at the University of California, Los Angeles in the fall.
DCFS Senior Deputy Director Cynthia McCoy-Miller welcomed an enthusiastic audience at the evening event.
“Young people in foster care must overcome unique challenges and may not always have the same level of family support or guidance like their school peers. That’s why this day is so special because this academic feat is a first step for them to reach greater goals,” she said.
“We are extremely proud of them.”