
‘Ladies and gentlemen, please move your tassel from the right to the left - you are now high school graduates.’
These words were uttered by several Simon Youth Academy Administrators and Principal’s as mid-year graduations commenced recently. Nearly 200 students from seven academies earned their diploma and now begin a new chapter of their life. Each youth who donned the traditional cap and gown have unique stories and reasons for attending the academy, but all of them persevered.
Simon Youth Clark Pleasant Academy - 9
Simon Youth Academy at Old Cockrill - 62
Simon Youth Academy at Opry Mills - 22
Simon Youth Academy at Hickory Hollow Mall - 37
Simon Youth Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy at Knoxville Center - 39
Simon Youth Academy at Metrocenter Mall - 30
Every 29 seconds in this country a student drops out of school, which is why SYF is so proud to add all of these graduates to the list of nearly 10,000 who have earned their diploma with assistance from SYF.
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”
SYF is humbled to share this moment with brave young people who chose to turn the obstacles in their lives into opportunities for something better. Their character has been tested and they are now stronger to face any challenge. Keep all of these fine young men and women in your thoughts as they begin a new, exciting journey in 2013. As we enter our 15th year, get ready to graduate our 10,000th student, and award scholarships eclipsing the $10 million mark, help us continue the effort by making a year-end gift today.