Teen Center Celebrates Graduates’ Next Steps

The Virginia Avenue Park Teen Center will honor graduating Pico Neighborhood seniors from Santa Monica and Olympic high schools in the second annual “Next Steps Ceremony” Thursday.

The ceremony – which will take place at Virginia Avenue Park’s Teen Center on Thursday from 4 to 6:30 p.m.– will include an awards presentation for all senior invitees with the help of private donors and local businesses and non-profit organizations.

“Many of the Teen Center graduates have faced and overcome a myriad of challenges along the way, never losing hope and working hard to succeed,” said Carla Fantozzi, Teen Center supervisor.

As these graduates take their next steps towards pursuing their life dreams by attending college, vocational or performing arts schools, they will be congratulated for their perseverance, Fantozzi said.

The private donors include Chrysalis, Pacific Park, Santa Monica College, Norm’s Restaurant, the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and the City of Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Police Department, Fire Department and Library.

Each honoree will receive a backpack filled with items and resources to support them along their new journey.