The Fermin family celebrates Ana Fermin's English Language Development (ELD) reclassification with Gridley Unified School District administrators during a special recognition ceremony. Ana's mother, Marisol, spoke about the importance of family support in helping students succeed. Pictured from left are William Fermin, Marisol Valdez Fermin, Ana Fermin, Daniela Fermin, GUSD Superintendent Justin Kern and Wilson Elementary School Principal Minden King. Photo courtesy of Marisol Valdez Fermin

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - For dozens of Gridley Unified School District students, a recent awards dinner marked more than the presentation of a certificate or medal. It represented the culmination of years of learning, perseverance and support as they reached an important milestone in their education.

The English Language Development (ELD) reclassification ceremony was held Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the Guardian Building, bringing together students, families, educators and community members to recognize the students’ accomplishments. A dinner prepared by the local Knights of Columbus was served as part of the evening.

For the students, reclassification marks an important transition in their school careers. It recognizes not only their growing command of English but also their ability to demonstrate academic readiness while navigating the challenges of learning in two languages.

Guest speaker Arnoldo Avalos shares his journey from working in agricultural fields to earning a college education and achieving financial success. Avalos, a former English learner, now manages a family foundation that has provided more than $1 million to high-achieving, low-income scholars. Photo by Seti Long

The ceremony recognized students who successfully completed the requirements for ELD reclassification, demonstrating the English proficiency and academic readiness necessary to succeed in the classroom without specialized English-language support.

Marisol Valdez Fermin, whose daughter was among the students being recognized, shared her perspective as a parent on the significance of the event.

“This is the result of their hard work, dedication and perseverance,” Fermin said.

“Today is a day to feel proud because learning another language is not an easy task. It requires time, patience, courage and a strong desire to succeed. Our students show us that with hard work and support, they can overcome challenges and achieve great things,” Fermin continued.

Fermin underscored the important role families play as students develop English proficiency while continuing to meet the academic expectations of their grade levels.

Gridley Unified School District students receive medals and certificates recognizing their successful reclassification from English Language Development status during an Oct. 20 ceremony. Photo by Seti Long

“As parents, we are a fundamental part of this process. Our participation not only benefits our children, but also helps us grow and become stronger advocates for their education,” Fermin said.

Families in attendance were recognized for the encouragement, patience and support they provide at home, while teachers, ELD specialists and school administrators were thanked for creating inclusive classrooms and maintaining high expectations for English learners.

The ceremony also featured a guest speaker whose life story provided students with an example of how education, perseverance and opportunity can shape a person’s future.

Arnoldo Avalos described growing up in Mexico before moving to Gridley, where his parents worked as migrant laborers. He recalled working in agricultural fields in Oregon, Washington and Montana before pursuing higher education and eventually building a successful professional career.

His academic journey took him from local schools to the University of California, Berkeley, and later Harvard University. He went on to work at Google, where an investment in company stock became a significant financial turning point in his life around May 2012.

He credited teachers for supporting him during his development and helping him recognize the possibilities ahead.

Today, he manages a family foundation that has provided more than $1 million in support to high-achieving, low-income scholars.

His story offered students a firsthand example of how education and perseverance can open doors, regardless of where a person begins.

Gridley Unified School District Superintendent Justin Kern, left, and Wilson Elementary School Principal Minden King present Ana Fermin with a certificate and medal recognizing her English Language Development reclassification. Photo courtesy of Marisol Valdez Fermin

Following the keynote address, the ceremony transitioned into the presentation of certificates and medals.

Gridley Unified School District Superintendent Justin Kern and members of the administrative staff helped recognize the students for reaching the ELD reclassification milestone.

The honorees were: Sophia Tinoco; Juliana Castellanos Aviles Santiago Tinoco; Adriel Alejandre; Aquiles Canales Martinez; Ana Fermin; Aliyah Marie Martinez; Ariana Huerta Campos; Jasmine Pamaz; Sofia Ramos Torres; Milan Regalado; Quetzal Rodriguez Corona; Kevin Santos Padilla; Arlette Gonzalez; Robert Hernandez; Kenia Ibarra Mejia; Julissa Martinez; Naya Montalvo; Leo Rivera Gutierrez; Mateo Rodriguez Del Rio; Bryan Cervantes Garibay Manden; Dhanoya; Angel Magallanes Llanas Jayden; Armando Martinez; Tadeo Romo; Miguel Rubio; Maria Vazquez Perez; Esmeralda Acosta Ornelas; Janell Graham Jr.; Francisco Marinero Canas; Emma Perez; Galilea Rosales Zaragoza; Jose Miranda Pineda; Alexavier Corona; Aleah Garcia Alcantar; Karely Hernandez Escalante; Emilyn Jimenez Lopez; Benjamin Martinez; Jesus Martinez Bucio; Carlos Mojica Vargas; Crystal Saucedo; Sebastian Saucedo; Fernando Aguilar Garcia; Tulay Lopez; and Berlin Orozco.