February 22, 2023 | Jeffrey Good
In commencement ceremonies held in November and February, Bethel Acceleration Academies celebrated the latest in a growing number of graduates who have used BAA’s personalized approach to learning to achieve their dream of a high school diploma.
Grads donned caps and gowns and family members, friends and educators cheered, took photos and shed more than a few tears at an achievement that will lay the foundation for higher education, military service and promising careers.
“Do you remember your kindergarten graduation?” Dave Krause, BAA’s career and technical education coach, asked the grads. “No? That’s because it was for your parents. This graduation is for you. Each of you are unique, special and bring added value to your family, community, society and future relationships.”
He asked each grad to hold out their hands. “You control your future,” he said. “What are you going to do with it? Military? College? Apprenticeship? Your future is in your hands.”
“You worked hard to earn your high school diploma,” he concluded. “Earning your high school diploma is like climbing a mountain. Look how high you have climbed … Now that you are at the top you will see that you are at the bottom of the next mountain to climb. Do not worry, do not fret. You have learned how to climb!”
Bethel Acceleration Academies accepts new students on a rolling basis. For more information, check out the academy web page and fill out an online enrollment form.
Photo by Drew Perine
