It wasn’t easy for Chad Dawson to make it through high school. Raised in an isolated evangelical community in Alabama, he escaped to Florida as a high school junior only to be told by school officials that he had the academic skills of a 5th grader.

St. Lucie Acceleration Academies (SLAA) celebrated its latest class of graduates at a ceremony in which Acceleration Academies CEO Kelli Campbell and others applauded the young people who had pushed through challenges to earn their diplomas and launch their adult lives.

A joyful group of family members, friends and educators gathered to celebrate the latest class of graduates from Escambia County Acceleration Academies (ECAA).

Family members, friends and educators gathered recently to celebrate the latest class of graduates from Bethel Acceleration Academies — 50 young people who pushed through adversity to realize their dream of a high school diploma.

Amya Marston found the best way to celebrate her 18th birthday — by joining the Class of 2024. Amya says she couldn’t have done it without St. Lucie Acceleration Academies (SLAA).

Edgar Castaneda is a gifted student who found it frustrating to constantly wait for other students to catch up with him in classes at his former high school.

Struggling with family issues and his own mental health, Alex Parker missed a lot of school during his sophomore and junior years. Entering senior year at his former, traditional, high school, he faced the possibility of not being able to graduate on time.

Grandparents, parents and guardians play a vital role in the education of the young people in their lives. The familiar adage — ”You’re only as happy as your unhappiest child” — rings true for adults seeking the best path through high school for the next generation.

Nayka Jean has big dreams: enlisting in the army, becoming a nurse, helping to build a hospital in her home country of Haiti, opening a club in the United States where people can forget about their cares.