It’s been a whirlwind graduation season for SYF! Thirty-five graduation ceremonies in 15 states resulted in 1,909 high school graduates from 24 public school districts across the country.
In addition to celebrating the Class of 2019, SYF was also honored to award $1.3 million in post-secondary scholarships to 406 high school graduates from across the country to help them pursue college and career training.
As we head into summer, and many of our Simon Youth Academy teachers and students enjoy a well-deserved reprieve, we wanted to recap the graduation season by sharing sentiments from some of the 2019 graduates themselves.
Kathryn Simpson, Simon Youth Academy at Martha Raines High School:
“Throughout my school experience, I worked while trying to do my best in school, I gave my family support when some were suffering from drug addiction, and I was missing a parent on top of it all. However, I have wonderful grandparents who taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and to stand strong in my beliefs. I am standing here, not in spite of all I have mentioned, but because of it. I am strong, determined, and goal-oriented. I can confidently say the same thing about every single Raines Graduate here tonight. No matter where you came from or what brought you to Raines, every single one of you has earned this moment.”
Alyssa Mena, Simon Youth Judson Learning Academy at Rolling Oaks Mall:
“I didn’t get a childhood; I had to grow up before I even knew what being grown up meant. I didn’t get to cry, I didn’t get to feel sad. I was always told .you can’t.’ ‘You aren’t strong enough, you aren’t smart enough, and you just can’t.’ And I believed it. I believed it until I discovered the person I really was and then I started to ask why not? Why can’t I graduate at the top of my class? Why can’t I sign Division I? Why can’t I be a doctor or a lawyer or a teacher? Why not? I don’t care if you’re green, black, white, pink, gay or straight, short or tall, thin or chunky, you can.
You can do anything you want and you can be whoever you want. Never quit. If you fall, get back up. What happened yesterday no longer matters because today is a new day.”
Tesha Uhl, Simon Youth Judson Learning Academy at Rolling Oaks Mall:
“This school is an amazing program and a great opportunity. Not to mention it is a second chance. Everybody lives different lives and goes through different hardships, and this school is such an amazing doorway for students who had a harder time in high school to get the education that they need to be successful in the future. I just wanted to say thank you on the behalf of all of the graduates here tonight for all the opportunities you have made accessible.”
Brenda H, Simon Youth Academy on Cochran:
“From the moment I started here to my last day as a student I have always felt like everyone was in my corner without a doubt. I would like to thank the staff that have always been rooting for me throughout all my days in high school. Thank you Mr. Ham for believing in me. I also want to thank, Mr. Ashley, Ms. L, Ms. Bisson and Ms. Rash. Thank you guys for all the effort you’ve put into teaching me not only about school but also life lessons. Thank you Mr. Bernicchi for always being supportive in all that I do, and thank you Ms. Blanchette for being the best teacher I could have ever asked for and more.”
Shernia D, Simon Youth Academy on Cochran:
“While going to school each day, my problems didn’t go away. There were many days I let my personal problems get the best of me and I wasn’t the best student. I’m so grateful that I was around a group of teachers that understood that life hits everybody no matter how old you are. There were times when I needed to vent because my problems were too overwhelming. The fact that Mr. Ham was there for me every time means the world to me.
Being at the Academy was an extremely fun and interesting experience. I have never been at a school where teachers actually care about students – equally. They go above and beyond for every student and they actually want every student to make something of themselves.”
Carrington Miles, Simon Youth Chester I. Lewis Academy:
“I will say, we all have different backgrounds and stories as to why we didn’t graduate on time in a traditional stand point but nevertheless all that holds little to no relevance, because we are here right now in this moment, and I can say we’ve all been blessed to have the pleasure of crossings paths with Dr. Cindy. In the journey of finally returning back to pursuing an education sometimes along the journey it is easy to lose momentum, succumb to frustrations and simply throw in the towel, but each and every time I even thought of just walking away from my education I’ve always had the ever present support and encouragement of the very talented Dr. Cindy.”
Whitney Carpenter, Simon Youth Academy at Circle Centre Mall:
“Being here, I was able to step out of my comfort zone. I mean I am giving this speech right now in front of you all, which is something I would have never imagined being able to do before Simon Youth Academy. We worked hard to get to this point, but we didn’t do it by ourselves. I would like to thank all the teachers for their help. We may not know what the future holds, but one thing’s for sure, you must look ahead at all the great possibilities that your future holds for you.”
Rhiannon Mohr, Simon Youth Clark-Pleasant Academy:
“When I first came to the Academy, I immediately felt welcome. Within the first few months, I could already see my perspective changing; not just in school and learning, but in life. I felt like I had an actual purpose for the first time in my life. I have accomplished things that I would have never thought possible, and have changed and grown so much as a person. Having the opportunity to be involved in things such as community service has been such a humbling and life-changing experience, which I will be forever grateful for. I have met some of the most amazing, genuine people. You guys have achieved so many great things and I know will continue to do so in the future. Without the help and encouragement from my family, friends, and teachers, I wouldn’t be here today. You all truly saved my life, thank you.”
Lamar Knight, Simon Youth Academy at Prien Lake Mall:
“This year, I had the opportunity to attend Simon Youth Academy at Prien Lake Mall. This was one of the best decisions I’ve made so far. They helped me to see my potential when I could not see it. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and they pushed me through to the finish line. Thank you so much to the teachers and mentors at Simon Youth Academy for impacting my life. Through my struggles I learned that sometimes you have to go through the hard times to be able to appreciate good times. I consider tonight a good time and I am grateful to God for it.”
Layla Winbush, Simon Youth Academy at Prien Lake Mall:
“My teachers never gave up on me. They pushed me to work harder than I’ve ever worked. I had nights where I stayed up just to get it done, to prove to myself and everyone else that I could do it. They stayed with me every step of the way, calling to make sure I was getting my work done and wanting to see me in person to see how I was doing. They gave me the support I didn’t have previously. I didn’t think I could do it, but they showed me that I could… and I did!”
Valerie Lucas, Simon Youth Academy at Orlando Outlet Marketplace:
“I came to Simon Youth because I realized getting my high school diploma was more important than I thought. I had left school for a year and a half to work on my mental health. I didn’t plan on going back to school; I had given up. When I heard of Simon Youth Academy, I was hesitant to join, but it was definitely worth it. Here at the Academy, I was pushed to do my best. I felt comfortable participating in class, surprisingly. I’ve recognized my potential, which I plan to reach in the future. I’ve learned that everyone has a story, a background, and their own beauty. To understand the beauty in everyone has been my goal.”
Vimary Serrano Arenas, Simon Youth Academy at Orlando Outlet Marketplace:
“My fondest moment here at Simon Youth Academy was meeting all of my peers and growing good friendships that helped me learn to be more open-minded, even if we have different stories. Before I came to Simon Youth Academy, I did not believe in myself and felt that I would not be able to continue further with my education. Thank you Mrs. Ledger for giving me advice and hearing me out when I need someone to talk to; I truly appreciate you for that. I also want to thank the staff of SYA and the Simon Mall Management team for believing in us students and giving us so many opportunities.”
Yasmin, Simon Youth Academy at The Mills at Jersey Gardens:
“Growing up I enjoyed going to school, but after experiencing a traumatic event when I was 14, I began to not care. I fell into a deep depression. Throughout my freshman to junior year, I was known for attending school twice a month, at most. My grades began slipping and I lost myself. I was no longer the motivated, bubbly person I once was. I allowed my thoughts and people to hold me back. My junior year I was told that at this rate, I wouldn’t be graduating on time. I was in denial that this was happening and came to the conclusion I would drop out and work full time, but my brother stepped in. He spoke to me for over an hour and after the tears and tough love, he made me realize I have potential.
When I first heard about The Simon Youth Academy I thought it was a joke because who would think a school would be located in the mall. Little did I know it would change my life. You see what makes Simon Youth Academy different is that they don’t just focus on your grades, but also your well-being. They take time to hear you out and try their best to find a solution. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a school go so above and beyond for their students as much as the faculty does here. You can truly see and feel that they care. I’m leaving Simon Youth Academy as a new person, a person with a plan, a person who will make a difference, a person who I never thought I would be.”
Want to help more students reach graduation day? Visit the following link to make a tax-deductible gift to SYF today! http://bit.ly/2VRNkgG
The sentiments above were shared by spring 2019 Simon Youth Academy graduates. Quotes were edited slightly for clarity and brevity.
