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The story of James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy’s first graduating class
On June 4, 2022, James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy (JRPLA) high school, celebrated its inaugural graduating class of scholars. The journey for these scholars has been one of challenges, resilience, diligence and determination.
These scholars are the reason JRPLA high school even exists. The fact is, there were never any plans to open a high school; it was only intended to remain a middle school. However, the scholars had a different idea born from their dire wants and needs.
When the current graduating scholars were in eighth grade they asked the question, why can’t we stay at a school we love and continue our school career at JRPLA? Determined to stay at JRPLA, the scholars appealed to school leadership to complete an unfinished part of the school and form a ninth grade class.
School leadership listened to the scholars and with all hands-on deck scholars, teachers and administrators came together and created classrooms in the unfinished part of the building they affectionately called Racoon Alley. Scholars were ecstatic to be able to remain at a place they desired to continue with their education.