Monterey Adult School Student Noufou Bontoulgou Earns Statewide Adult Education Recognition

One of Only 10 Adult Education Students Statewide Selected for Recognition

Monterey, CA - The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is proud to announce that Monterey Adult School student Noufou Bontoulgou has been selected for statewide recognition through the 2026 California Adult Education Students Succeed program, which celebrates outstanding adult learners and the transformative impact of adult education.

Bontoulgou was nominated by two Monterey Adult School instructors and is one of only 10 adult education students statewide selected for recognition this year.

The California Adult Education Students Succeed program, supported by the Outreach and Technical Assistance Network, recognizes adult learners whose determination, resilience, and achievements exemplify the power of adult education. Nominees are evaluated on their educational journey, the challenges they have overcome, the goals they have achieved, and the ways their adult education experience has positively affected their lives and communities.

“Noufou’s story represents what adult education is all about: the opportunity to pursue a goal, overcome barriers, and create new possibilities through education,” said Beth Wodecki, Principal, Monterey Adult School. “We are incredibly proud of Noufou and grateful to the Monterey Adult School educators who recognized that his story deserved to be shared beyond our community.”

Noufou Bontoulgou is from Burkina Faso and speaks five languages. He began his studies at Monterey Adult School with no English proficiency, starting at the beginning level and advancing to the school’s highest English level in a remarkably short time.

While balancing several jobs and attending classes, Noufou also served as an active member of Monterey Adult School’s inaugural Student Advisory Committee. In this leadership role, he shared his perspective and helped guide the development of educational programs and student experiences on campus. His willingness to contribute his time, voice, and ideas demonstrates an outstanding level of leadership, commitment, and dedication to strengthening the Monterey Adult School community.

Bontoulgou was nominated by Monterey Adult School instructors Dan Cutler and Angie Diaz-Roman, who recognized his persistence, growth, and commitment to achieving his educational and personal goals, as well as his willingness to go out of his way to help others. When Diaz-Roman was out sick but continued teaching her computer class via Zoom, Bontoulgou stepped up without hesitation, moving around the classroom to help fellow students navigate technology and troubleshoot issues on their computers. While others were sometimes hesitant or nervous about the technology, he approached it with confidence and used his skills to support his classmates, a reflection of both his personal growth and his commitment to helping those around him succeed. 

His recognition comes as Monterey Adult School continues to provide educational and career pathways for adult learners throughout the Monterey Peninsula, including English as a Second Language, high school diploma and equivalency programs, career technical education, citizenship preparation, and other opportunities designed to help adults achieve their academic, career, and personal goals.

The California Adult Education Students Succeed program highlights adult learners from across California whose experiences demonstrate how access to education can change individual lives, strengthen families, and contribute to communities.

About Monterey Adult School

Monterey Adult School, part of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, provides accessible educational opportunities that empower adult learners to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals and strengthen their families and communities.