July 15, 2025 | Jeffrey Good
BriYanna Scott stood before her fellow members of the Gwinnett County Acceleration Academies graduating class and marveled at how far they all had come.
“It’s been quite a trip, but we’ve reached our destination!” BriYanna began. “In the past 2 years, I have become a wife and mother, in addition to being a student. Now at nearly 21 years of age, I have been in and out of alternative school since I was 16. It was a huge change of environment, and I remember quitting many times, but this last time was a lot different.
“Acceleration Academies did not give up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself,” she continued. “The thing about alternative school is that you have a lot more options, your pace being one of them. Freedom of choice left it not only up to me, but up to every single one of us to make the right decisions
“I’ve come to realize easy choices, like playing hooky, can lead to hardships down the road,” she said. “Mr. Jamaal always said ‘You have to want success for yourself; we can’t want it for you.’ Little did I know that was the best encouragement that I could have received.”
“Yes, I wanted to do this for my children. Of course, we all want to make our families proud. However, this is an accomplishment for the right choices we made as individuals. Graduation is not only a weight off of our shoulders, but also a key to the doors that we may open. It’s more than education; it’s about us finding our drive and ethics.
“I would like to thank my God for allowing me to stand here at this moment. My family, here and even all the way from Texas, for supporting me through this journey. And the most wonderful staff (and group of babysitters for my baby girl) I’ve ever seen or known. I was allowed to express myself without judgement, my work was acknowledged as well as appreciated, and I my mistakes were corrected with nourishment and care. You all have helped me truly grow as a person.
“Class of 2024, I will leave you all with this: ‘Once you put aside your limit list, you will be limitless.’ "
Gwinnett County Acceleration Academies enrolls high school students in Gwinnett County, GA, up to age 20. The alternative high school program is free for students in grades 9-12 and combines online classes with in-person teachers for 100% flexibility. Learn more →