Kemani Hurd tried both online and in-person high schools, but he couldn’t seem to hit his stride. Trying to master physics during his junior year, he would go after school for extra help but found himself in a crowded classroom with teachers who couldn’t give him the attention he needed.

Looking out at members of the Spring 2024 graduating class of Gwinnett County Acceleration Academies (GCAA), Director Hashima Carothers urged them to draw on the resilience they showed in earning their diplomas as they move through adult life.

Addressing the graduates of the Sarasota Acceleration Academies Class of 2024 at their recent commencement celebration, academy director Michelle Llinas reflected on Robert Frost’s most famous poem.

When Jax Randles looked out at other members of the Bethel Acceleration Academies (BAA) Class of 2024, he marveled at how far he and his classmates had come.

Acceleration Academies of Ector County (EAA) celebrated its latest class of graduates in a festive ceremony with parents, educators and the new leader of the nationwide network of non-traditional high school programs cheering them on.

Many young people move through high school with a bright sense of possibility. Evyn Wright, by contrast, struggled under a darkening cloud.

Makenna Wheeler had always been an eager, accomplished student. With a wry smile, she says, “I used to always raise my hand, every question — even if I didn’t know it.”

Kaylee Holt had always been a strong student, earning As and Bs and making steady progress toward her high school diploma and college education beyond. But then she began algebra and, suddenly, all those plans seemed in question.

Clark County Acceleration Academies (CCAA) began the new year with pomp and circumstance, celebrating the latest class of graduates — 142 young people who pushed through adversity to earn their high school diplomas and move ahead toward college, trade school, military service and well-paying jobs.