Class of 2016 Graduation
What a year it has been for our Maya Rebels! We introduced a new learning model, changes to the schedule, new programs, and our students pushed through in true Maya spirit.
Held at Trinity University, MAPCS Class of 2016 Graduation was a culmination of students’ hard work, perseverance, and a little G.R.I.T. “Growth Rooted in Transformation,” a thematic system introduced in MAPCS last year to promote positive behavior and support an encouraging learning environment. And given the outside challenges, some of our students face, grit is something our students surely have. Their relentlessness proved transformative as students made it through the end of their senior year.
Many of our students were emotional during their walk across the stage, including valedictorian, Jada C. Holding back tears, she talked about making new friends, overcoming the death of her mentor, and adhering to a new style of learning this past year. “It didn’t just teach me how to do my work, but it taught me how to be responsible and take advantage of my education in my own way, on my own time.” Jada, an Achievers Scholar, who maintained a 3.5 GPA in her four years at Maya, will be attending Norfolk State University in the fall to pursue business, with hopes of becoming an entrepreneur.
Jada’s story was met with cheers, heartwarming smiles, and tears of joy. She is one of the 34 total graduates for MAPCS, who received more than $1 million in scholarships and over 70 acceptances to dozens of institutions across the country.
And across town, our YALC and Maya Academy students saw their successes celebrated at the GALA Hispanic Theatre. YALC students bravely told their stories, from trials to triumph, to an audience of their peers, teachers, and family. Students like Lowell Blackmon described his personal journey of navigating 10 schools in six years to finally walking across the stage as a Maya Alumni. A poet and an artist, Lowell plans to enter the hospitality program at the University of District Columbia. In total, 13 GED graduates and 15 OSHA-10 PACT recipients were honored that day.
A smaller, more intimate graduation celebrated the transformation of 6 Maya Angelou Academy graduates. Former MAA student, Kenneil Cole, spoke directly to his peers, describing his journey from juvenile offender to champion for justice reform. His story, nothing short of remarkable, is an inspiration for graduates like Tyrell M., who will follow in his footsteps and attend Delaware State University this fall.
The Maya Family is proud to celebrate all of our graduates of the Class of 2016. We wish them continued success on their journey to college and careers. Through our alumni network, we will continue offer support and empower them to grow successfully so they can see forever. This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.
Click through the galleries below to see graduation photos!
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