Yesterday, 35 students in the Class of 2013 graduated from our program in a special ceremony held at Zion Baptist Church. YouthBuild Philly is an accelerated program with many academic, vocation and service requirements for students to complete in as little as 12 months. Some students, for a variety of reasons, understandably need a little extra time.  Those students are given the option of completing their requirements in Fall School and graduating in November.

Because fall graduation ceremonies are typically smaller than our August ceremonies, we’re able to take a little more time to celebrate each graduate as they receive their diploma.  Staff, family and friends who knew each graduate well had the opportunity to say a few words before awarding them their diploma.  Additionally, students from the current class of 2014 came to sing a special song to the graduates.  Check out our slideshow for a sampling of yesterday’s many special moments:

One student was unable to attend the ceremony because she was hospitalized at the time, so her family, friends, and favorite YouthBuild staff staged a ceremony for her in her hospital room.  She proudly wore her cap and gown for the occasion.

Fall School students embody perseverance (one of our core values) because they have each encountered obstacles or setbacks along their YouthBuild journey – and never gave up.  We are so proud of them and can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!