Student Spotlight
2025-2026 Building Bridges to a Brighter Future
Empowering Our Community
Welcome to a page dedicated to celebrating the breakthroughs and inspiring journeys of Visalia Adult School students. Our student spotlights share real stories of personal achievements, successful transitions, and educational milestones that prove adult education at Visalia Adult School, changes lives. We invite you to explore the accomplishments of our amazing students and be inspired by their success.
if you are a current student and want to share your story to inspire others,
please email [email protected] with your story, photo and a staff member will reach out to you with more details.
2025-2026
November
Denysha Galante
Congratulatory Message
This student has overcome more challenges than anyone I have ever met. Despite these challenges, Denysha shows up to class early on each day and supports other students in the classroom. Denysha consistently receives positive reports from community partners and stands out with her infectious positive energy. During this program, Denysha has continued to suffer personal loss but she never gives up on her dream to be a nurse. Denysha inspires me and reminds me that I am here to support and transform the lives of students like her. I have no doubt that Denysha will pay it forward and transform the lives of others! I am extremely proud of Denysha!
Vocational Nursing Coordinator, Joyce Glaspie
Denysha's Story, CTE- Vocational Nursing
Maria Alejandra Luna Mercado
ESL, CTE & GED
I am enrolled in different programs: English, Office Skills 1, Spanish GED, and custodial training on campus.
What I enjoy most about these programs are the teachers - they are very helpful. The teachers made sure I understand expectations by giving me a complete orientation.
The people who have influenced me the most are my parents, my teachers, and my son. Everyone has been so encouraging and supportive. I value discipline, respect, and working as a team. All of my programs have these values embedded in them.
The advice I would give to someone is to be encouraged and attend VAS. Education is always good for life. Enrolling in VAS will help you in your life and in your future. VAS is a wonderful avenue to help us get better jobs.
My plans after completing my studies at VAS is to continue studying at COS. Hopefully, this will lead me to a career to better my life and my son’s life.
Student, Maria Alejandra Luna Mercado
Congratulatory Message
Maria Alejandra is a new student this year in our ESL program. Shortly after school began, Alejandra decided she wanted to simultaneously get her Spanish GED. Although warned about the required time in both programs, she accepted the challenge. She has met it with commitment and diligence all the while going through some difficult personal issues. She always demonstrates a gracious attitude. She has a goal to be the best she can be for her son - nothing is going to stop her. I admire her tenacity! Way to go, Alejandra! Keep up the good work - it will pay off!
ESL Instructor, Judy Moxley
Augustine Duenaz III
CTE- Vocational Nursing Program
Congratulatory Message
Augie is a VN student who came to VAS after a successful career as an EMT. Augie is among the top students in our program and brings wisdom along with a strong work ethic. Augie is a leader in the classroom, clinical and community. One notable characteristic is that Augie's uniform and presentation is impeccable. Augie is self motivated and determined to succeed. Augie is autonomous and goal oriented. He always is studious and wisely uses his time to increase his knowledge base. Hospital staff compliment him on his knowledge, skill and performance. We are fortunate to have students like Augie in our VN Program! Augie is going to be a great asset to our community as a nurse.
Vocational Nurse Coordinator, Joyce Glaspie
Augustine's Story
The program I am in here at the Visalia Adult School is the VN (nursing) program. I knew of this program through a family member who had taken the program. I heard many good things about the program and decided to try it after considering my options.
During my time in the program, I have enjoyed learning about the body and how all the body systems work. I have enjoyed the times during my clinical hours where I was actually able to participate in moments I would have never had a chance to do outside of the program. From helping nurses in the Emergency Department to assisting with the
birth of two children, this program has educated me in so many ways.
My wife, Priscilla, has been the greatest impact to me on this journey. She has encouraged me to keep going in my education even when I really doubted myself. She helped me get through tough times when I was the person standing in my own way. Those times when I felt like giving up, she has been there to motivate me to keep going.
My belief from way back when I first started as an EMT, then an E.R. tech and a Phlebotomist has been, treat everyone as if they are a family member I have never met. All the patients I’ve interacted with are just that. In regard to my clinical hours during this
program, I have met so many people with their own fascinating stories. From the man that told me how one day he just wasn’t feeling fulfilled with his job and so one day he decided to buy a truck he saw on the way home and opened his own repair business, to
the lady that sat with me and told me about growing up in Visalia.
For anyone considering attending the Visalia Adult School VN program I would say, trust the process, do the work, make time to study (and also relax when you can) and enjoy the time you are in the program. It may sound like a long road to take, but it goes by so
fast! Once I am done with this program, I plan on being the nurse people can rely on, can trust, and most importantly, to continue to help and comfort people during their difficult times.
Student, Augustine Duenaz III
October 2025
Gloria Sanchez
Congratulatory Message
Gloria has been attending VAS for a few years now. She is one of the kindest people I know. She is known for her little blessings in the way of treats or just a warm "good morning." Gloria is fairly new to the Intermediate level. She was very concerned about coming to this level. Our class motto is "I can, I will, End of story." I'm so proud of her for accepting the challenge to grow not only in English but also in self-confidence. Gloria is increasingly becoming confident to walk this out. Good for you, Gloria! Keep up the great work!
Instructor, Judy Moxley
English as a Second Language
Hi, My name is Gloria Sanchez. Over 20 years ago, when I would take my children to school, I had heard of these English classes. I took the classes for a couple of months with Teacher Cary Kalfayan. After 20 years, I was blessed to be able to take the classes again with him. Now I'm studying with Teacher Judy Moxley, who always encourages me by saying to me "you can do it, you can do it." I want to thank God because without God, I'm nothing. I also want to thank my children, who are the motor of my life. Thank you to my teachers Cary Kalfayan and Judy Moxley. I want to let others who would like to learn English as a second language to take advantage of this program, they have all the tools to help you learn. This program has helped me a lot, I don't get frustrated or feel hopeless like before when I did not understand any English at all. Thank you again to my Teacher Judy Moxley. God bless you all and have a wonderful day.
Student, Gloria Sanchez
Alondra Carrillo
My name is Alondra Carrillo. I am currently enrolled in the Vocational Nursing program, I heard about this program from a coworker who attended the Medical Assistant program here. What I enjoyed most in this program is the clinical experiences, I've gotten to see a live birth, total knee replacement, and I've done chest compression in the emergency room.
The person who has the greatest impact on my life is my mom. She beat colon cancer in 2008 and right after she became a single mother when my dad passed away in 2009. She had to raise 3 kids on her own and worked 2 jobs just to make ends meet. I admire my mother so much for never giving up. I want to become a nurse and help people like my mom who struggle getting medical attention, or need help because they don't speak English. I hope to one day continue my education and become a Registered Nurse.
My suggestion is to never give up on your dreams, even if it takes you longer than others. Everyone has life struggles and may take more time but anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Student, Alondra Carrillo
CTE- Vocational Nursing
Congratulatory Message
Alondra Carrillo has really began to shine and excel in her 3rd semester of the VN program. Alondra is scoring among the top percentile of her class and has gone the extra mile to project a positive learning environment for her peers. Alondra recently purchased cute ink pens and handed them out to her clinical group just to make their day a little better and to add some cheer. Alondra regularly receives positive feedback from nurses and other staff at the hospital clinical site. One example from a nurse at Kaweah Health reads, "Alondra is very passionate and a big help on the unit. Thank you for all your help" from Nurse Bernadette.
Vocational Nursing Coordinator, Joyce Glaspie
English as a Second Language
Brenda Lara Martinez
Congratulatory Message
Brenda has been coming to ESL evening class every single time and has shown that she is willing to try and make mistakes even when its not easy to learn a new language. Her persistence will help her to learn English faster. Good job Brenda, keep trying, and never give up!
Instructor, Michael del Castillo
What I enjoy about the evening ESL program is that it is very practical. For someone who is learning a new language, it has helped me a lot. It is a great program. The best part about the evening ESL program is that I get to learn English.
What motivates me to continue learning is my daughter. She is the reason I want to be better every day, I want to better myself. This program aligns with my values because it helps me to achieve the goal to learn English.
For those of you that are thinking of attending VAS, just do it. Come and do not be afrais to try something new. The teacher will teach you as long as you come to class.
When I am satisfied with the amount of English I have learned, I plan to find a better job.
- Brenda
September 2025
Jazzle Garcia
Vocational Nursing Program
Hello, My names Jazz Garcia.
I am a student, currently in my 2nd semester in the VN program at the Visalia Adult School
I also acquired my Medical Assistant Certification at this school back in May of 2010.
I enjoy learning from our professional nursing instructors who work hard to ensure our success,
not only in the classroom setting, but also, out in the field during our clinical rotations.
The person who has made the greatest impact on shaping who I am today is my teenage son.
He is my biggest fan and a reminder of why I started and why I will never quit.
After I complete my program, I would love to work at a pediatric unit or Children’s Hospital.
This is where I can provide care, emotional support, and be an advocate for the children.
Remember that even though success is the aim, it's the journey that shapes us. Visalia Adult
School could be the first step to your new adventure.
Congratulatory Message & Shout Out!
I would like to nominate Jazzle Garcia. "Jazz" is an all around exemplary student. She has excellent attendance and attends class professionally attired with a smile and positive attitude. Jazz is helpful in the classroom and excels at the clinical site. We have received positive feedback from our clinical partners regarding Jazz and the way she consistently exudes a high degree of academic knowledge, emotional intelligence, nursing skill and compassion in the clinical setting. Thank you Jazz, you are representing Visalia Adult School and the nursing profession as a whole, very well.
- Vocational Nursing Coordintor, Joyce Glaspie
Paula Nascimento
Congratulatory Message & Shout Out!
Paula started at our school, specifically the ELL Dept. 1.5 years ago at Green Acres Middle School off campus class. She could hardly speak a word in English. Last year, she started our ELL day program at my level. She has returned this year to my class (Intermediate) as a student on a mission. She has improved so much! She attends class regularly and on time and with her bubbly personality, she is such a great encouragement to the other students - always helping them if needed. This is only the start of the year, but with her commitment to attendance, study, and practice, I'm confident she will be ready to move up to Intermediate High very soon. She has a goal to eventually get her credentials from her country, get certified here, and return to the work she loves - pharmacy technician. With her focus and commitment, I'm confident she will attain her goal one day.
ESL Instructor, Judy Moxley
Paula's Story
Frank Holguin
High School Equivalency
I started the HSE program when I was 22 and now at 34 I have returned to complete it.
The most enjoyable part of this program is that I can be comfortable, I can set my own hours with a with a 40+ hour a week job.
My parents and family have had the greatest impact on who I have become today. I continue to learn from life, there are many ups and downs.
To those that are debating on wether or not they should return to school, just do it. You can’t complete something you never started. It just starts with doing and wanting it for yourself.
After I complete my program, I plan to enter the field of work in law-enforcement.
Student, Frank Holguin
Congratulatory Message & Shout Out!
I would like to spotlight Frank for his determination to succeed. He began our program in April 2025 with a goal of earning his High School Equivalency. He works full-time, often pulling double-shifts, yet still communicates with me regularly and studies from home in-between shifts.
Frank has passed 3 HiSET subject tests thus far, and has the remaining two tests scheduled for this month and next. I am so impressed with his drive and know that his positive attitude and mental strength will help him reach his goals and beyond. Congratulations Frank!
Instructor, Lauren Haley