Everett High School celebrated 23 Everett Re-Engagement Academy graduates at summer graduation on August 19, 2021.
These students overcame significant obstacles and earned their diplomas with help from Everett Re-Engagement Academy, their school’s dropout recovery partnership with Graduation Alliance.
Dr. Cathy Woods, Director of College and Career Readiness at Everett Public Schools, lauded students for continuing on the path to graduation despite the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19 and encouraged them to use their imaginations to build a brighter future during her commencement address.
“You have the power of imagining a better world and being a big part of making that happen,” Woods said. “Please continue to believe in yourselves. When you find that belief waning, surround yourself with others who believe in you so that you can regather your confidence. We need you to reimagine our world, our community, and go out and make that happen.”
Every student wore an orange stole with their graduation regalia to represent their participation in the program. Graduation Alliance’s support staff also participated in person and shared heartfelt encouragement about each student, highlighting the students’ strengths and praising their accomplishments.
“We were so grateful to share this moment with students and their families and to have been a part of each of their remarkable journeys,” Ellyn N., Graduation Alliance’s Local Advocate for Everett High School, said. “It’s magic!”
Graduation Alliance has been working with Everett High School since 2013 and has graduated more than 200 students. This partnership allows students to earn fully accredited credits online, including 29 ACE CREDIT courses and 25+ NCAA-eligible courses.
“I decided to enroll in online school with Graduation Alliance to catch up before my senior year. … All my worries about not graduating were diminished,” Sophia, a 2021 Everett High School graduate, wrote in her senior exit essay. “I am 17, have college credit, and am ready to graduate from high school and move onto something greater … all thanks to the opportunity Everett had in place with Graduation Alliance!”
We are so excited for the class of 2021 and can’t wait to see how they change the world!
If your local education agency is interested in partnering with Graduation Alliance to provide an equitable, alternative path to education, fill out our request for information form.