On May 29 and June 4, graduation ceremonies were held in honor of this year’s graduates.Students were invited to speak and many took the time to express their thoughts and gratitude. We would like to share some of their words:
Emileana said, “I would not be graduating if this program didn’t exist. The teachers and staff here make it possible to graduate under very difficult circumstances. They give you one to one help and create assignments that are specific to how you like to learn. I couldn’t have done any of this without them. They help you with problems in your life
that aren’t about school, making it easier to succeed.”
Matthew shared his best memory of Whytecliff as the “whole experience from themoment I walked in.” He also stated that, “if I didn’t have this school I definitely would
not be graduating. They gave me so many opportunities and chances that I would not have got at a regular school. They helped me build my social skills and deal with my anger. I got a lot of one to one help with my schoolwork and even free food when I was hungry. My relationship with my mom is better because of Whytecliff. I do well in school now, so now parents are proud of me. The teachers gave me the tools to communicate with my family and I learned how to be respectful and mature.”
Ryan presented his favorite quote: “We don’t quit, we don’t cower, we don’t run. We endure and conquer.” He also said, “I would not have finished high school without Whytecliff. I didn’t try in school before I came here but now I want to succeed.”
Jonathon agreed, saying, “I found the right community at this school, people who understand me and I am glad I found it.”
Carl noted, “I have no idea what my life would be like without Whytecliff. I could be a drop out, doing nothing with my life, or ended up in jail doing drugs. All I know is that I would not be graduating without them.”
Nathan said, “Without this program I would have dropped out and probably become a drugdealer. When I first came here I was always fighting with my mom. Now we have a much better relationship because I know how to communicate.”