Our Graduates

“I decided I wanted to do more with my life. I did this for myself and for my entire family—AND for what this means for future generations! I have pride in knowing that my children were watching and supporting me. Because of The Excel Center, the future is brighter for all of us!”

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank the school for existing, giving students a second chance at life, the teachers who have become a second family to me, and all those who have supported me academically and personally. You’ve all changed my life.”

“Before I could take that next step and get another job to support my kids, I had to get my high school diploma.” At first, Tamika wasn’t sure Excel was for her but she soon found out that The Excel Center isn’t your typical high school. “It is tailored for adults. I started talking to the staff and the teachers. It became almost like a family. The inclusive culture, the other students, you share your stories, and you find out how similar everyone is.”

When Rose Marie graduated, she was honored to be the student commencement speaker. Just two years earlier, she had attended her sister’s graduation from Excel and was inspired by the Class of 2019 student speaker. “I remember Tamika speaking and thinking to myself, ‘That’s going to be me someday!’ …My experience at Excel was like finding another family. You meet amazing people.”

There was a difference in how Chaz felt about Excel than a regular high school. It was a place where he wanted to be, and a place where he knew he belonged. He knew the staff cared about him and his future. “When I needed tutoring, they were there. If I missed a class, they were there….When I needed help, they were there.”