Simon Youth Academy students at one time or another have faced adversity. Death in the family, teen parenthood, or bullying are just a few of the obstacles, but the one thing they all have in common - perseverance. Why they showed up is not nearly as important as the fact they showed up.
Mark Geldis, a 2012 graduate of Simon Youth Academy at Metrocenter, didn't believe he could earn a diploma. Success, as John Wooden said, was on the horizon for Mark but he needed a few nudges in the right direction. At his graduation ceremony, he got an opportunity to address the attendees.
"Before entering Metrocenter Academy, I didn't think that I would graduate," said Mark. "I was told that I was a slacker and not worth the time. I still had that mentality when I first came to the Academy. However, sometime after, I felt that the teachers at the Academy genuinely cared about how I did and how I felt."
He credited many of his teachers for helping keep him on task, motivated and confident. Mark is on his path to becoming the best he can be.
In a little over six weeks, more Simon Youth Academy graduates will earn their diploma and have a myriad of opportunities open to them as a result. Where they will go and what they will do is up to them, but with their hope ignited they can go anywhere.
On behalf of Mark and more than 10,000 graduates of Simon Youth Academies, thank you to all our supporters and donors.
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