The Excel Center
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GRADUATION
‘ We did it , we rock ’ - Excel Center celebrates first graduation ceremony
Thanks to Ross Flint at the Shelbyville News for the use of this article .
W ith diplomas in their hands , 15 graduates received a new lease on life . The Excel Center celebrated its first commencement ceremony at the Strand Theatre in Shelbyville .
Each graduate had their own stories to share , but a common theme that came from the three speakers was overcoming self-doubt that they could receive their diploma .
“ We came from different backgrounds and age groups . We came with different stories that led us to the Excel Center . But we became a core group ,” Salutatorian Jasmine Hammond said . “ Yet somehow our misfit group came together , and I am truly sad I will not see you every day .”
Hammond quoted actress Audrey Hepburn , who said “ Nothing is impossible . The word itself says , I ’ m possible .”
She said during one speech class , the class was asked what they wanted to get out of the Excel Center . “ Everyone responded that they wanted to receive their high school diploma ,” she said .
“ Well guys , we did it . We rock ,” she
The Excel Center
117 North Harrison Street Shelbyville , IN 46176 ( 317 ) 524-4430 said . “ We will always be the Shelbyville Excel Center OG ’ s . Each one of us has turned the word impossible into ‘ I ’ m possible ’ and there ’ s no stopping us now .”
Keynote speaker Mayor Tom DeBaun said a few years ago he learned there were 5,000 residents without their high school diploma living in the county .
“ It takes a lot to leave high school ,” he said . “ It ’ s a very difficult decision , I ’ m sure , because the high school diploma has an impact that ’ s lifelong on those decisions you make down the road . But it also takes courage to come back , and I think it ’ s important to recognize the courage it took ( for ) all of these students to come back , to face your demons , to overcome adversity and to be where you are tonight .”
He , and the three graduate speakers , credited the family and friends who were supportive . “ This is not about a handout , it ’ s about a hand up ,” DeBaun said .
Kent Kramer , president and chief executive officer of Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana , said there are 700,000 working age adults in Indiana who do not have their high school degree .
“ That ’ s a significant barrier if you ’ re trying to find a job , you ’ re trying to move ahead , you ’ re trying to find family sustaining type wages , it is very difficult ,” he said . “ Tonight , we can subtract 15 from that 700,000 , and we are so very proud of you .”
He thanked them for giving Goodwill and the Excel Center a chance .
“ I just have a really good feeling about all of you and what is next for each of you ,” he said . “ Good luck , don ’ t forget about us . We are here for you and we want to see your successes and we want to build on those successes and be a part of it .”
Valedictorian Jessica Davis said the graduates no longer had to settle for jobs , that they could find something they enjoy . “ I started school at the Excel Center because it proved to my kids that anything is possible ,” she said . “ That no matter how long it takes , we can reach our goals .”
She said her children remained supportive of her throughout her time at the Excel Center
“ It turns out , they had more faith in me than I did ,” she said .
Crystal Smothers , the first graduate at the Excel Center , talked about her experiences with education . While she said she enjoyed school growing up , she dropped out for personal reasons when she was three months away from graduating .
She quickly realized how difficult it is to find a job without a high school diploma , which led to a journey that led her to the Excel Center .
“ The Excel Center is an amazing place ,” she said . “ I am so lucky to be a part of it .”
DeBaun encouraged the graduates to go out and find high school dropouts , and guide them to the Excel Center .
“ If there are 5,000 people in the community who do not have this advantage , it ’ s your job to go out and find them and bring them here ,” he said .
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Magi Wachtel receives her diploma from Susan Sheets .
July 2017