TOP STORY OF THE DAY: GOALS ACADEMY GRADUATION

IVY JACOBS PHOTO - GOALS GRADUATION was a busy event at Northview High School Thursday evening. See the Photo Gallery and view more photos.

GOALS Academy is always a special Graduation Ceremony, Thursday’s weren’t any different.

Director of At-Risk Programs Pete Kitka spoke about honoring the graduates with the dignified ceremony the 24 graduates earned.

The address was given by two students: Megan Miller and Dustin Bryan.

Miller explained it took eight years of hard work in 10 years to get to this day, struggling through the ups and downs of life to earn her High School Equivalency degree.

“It’s OK to fail,” said Miller, 24, who withdrew from public school in 2012. “Each time I failed, I got back up and started over... But it’s OK. I started over. I really would not be where I am today without my friends and family, my boyfriend, and the support of the people at the CASA office, Elizabeth Coley at GOALS Academy, and Gunner(her son). ”

Dealing with frustration and anger, Bryan, 18, says school just wasn’t a good fit, and he left in 2020.

“Online education was not my style of learning, and I failed,” said Bryan, who was also in an accident, breaking his wrist. “It meant I would have to attend three more years of high school,”

That was the final straw for Bryan, who left school and dedicated himself to spending his spare time working as a farmhand for Don.. Don was a great mentor who encouraged and helped Bryan to return to school.

Now working in fiber optics, Bryan admits, “Not all of you will have my journey in life. But if you want to make a change in your life, you can do it.”

Superintendent Jeff Fritz took the podium for the Keynote Address.

“I am very proud of you all,” he said.

Fritz has mentioned over the years that the GOALS Academy Graduation is a favorite among the staff and school board members who attend.

“Thank you for all your hard work,” Fritz said. “And God Bless You.”

Adult Education Coordinator Elizabeth Coley joined Fritz, and Kitka to pass out the diplomas and do the Tassle Ceremony.

2022 GOALS Academy Graduates

Matthew Auterson

Sara Auterson

Emily Bailey

Draven Eclipse Bender

Dustin Nathaniel Bryan

Ean Kendrick Close

Kaci Crosley

Louis Delson Aristhene

Grant Ferry

Dalten Ford

Samantha J, Francis

Jordon James Michael Goodpasture

Lane Robert Luther Goodpasture

Kody Johnson

Caitlynn Alexandra Long

Grace Long

Chloe Mackey

Malachi McClelland

Aaron Matthew McKinney

Victoria Loretta Grace McKinney

Megan Miller

Lydia Preston

Paige Rutherford

Riley Spradlin

Kaleb Staley

Kyleen Whitecotten