The Oshkosh Area School District celebrated the upcoming graduation of 35 seniors enrolled in the Riverside Alternative Education Program - a partnership between the District and Fox Valley Technical College. The 2020 Riverside Graduate Recognition Program took place virtually on Thursday, May 28, 2020. Countless family members, friends, district leaders, board members, administrators, and staff members participated virtually to show their support of the Class of 2020. Cheers and applause filled households, home offices, and backyards as the graduates were virtually recognized for their hard work and many successes. 

The recognition ceremony provided the opportunity for students to reflect on their experience and celebrate their progress. Messages of support and confidence were also shared by both students and staff members. Keynote speaker, Rodney Frazier, owner of Rodney’s Cafe, shared words of encouragement, reminding students that this is just the beginning. “This achievement is really just the beginning of the rest of your life. Surround yourself in good company, ask for help, and get an early start each day - when you do this you will accomplish so much more.”

Riverside is an alternative education program that provides students with opportunities to work individually toward completing their high school graduation requirements, take Fox Valley Technical College courses, participate in volunteer-based learning experiences, and engage in career exploration opportunities. Offered at the Fox Valley Technical College - Riverside Campus, the program provides a self-paced, individualized learning environment, in which students complete high school level courses in English, reading, math, science, and social studies. Students enrolled in the program strengthen their ability to adapt to change, think critically and creatively, work collaboratively, communicate effectively and respectfully, and act responsibly. 

This year marks the tenth year of the Riverside Program, of which 295 students have graduated from and have gone on to complete over 400 college courses. This year 35 Oshkosh Area School District students will graduate from the program, each with a plan for their immediate future - including continuing education at Fox Valley Technical College, entering the workforce full time, and serving in the military. 

“These graduates took ownership of their educational experience and excelled in a learning environment that's right for them," said Dr. Vickie Cartwright, Oshkosh Area School District Superintendent. "We are so proud to see them succeed and to embark on their future!”

​The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) strives to ensure that all students are college, career, community, and future ready upon graduation. While most OASD students achieve this standard through a traditional K-12 track, some students require an alternative pathway. The District offers a number of alternative education programs, including Riverside, to support all students and meet unique educational needs that may exist. For more information visit www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/district/student-services/alternative-programs. For more information about the Fox Valley Technical College - Riverside Campus, visit www.fvtc.edu/about-us/contacts-locations/locations-maps/oshkosh.