Program News 2004
A Landmark Graduation
On Thursday, June 24th , 57 students graduated from Good Shepherd Services' model collaborative high school, South Brooklyn Community High School (SBCHS) with their Regents diplomas. SBCHS is home to students whom have dropped out of, or were excessively truant from their previous high schools. It provides students with a second chance to receive an education, graduate and move on to a successful future.
During the ceremony, many students spoke of how they had been discouraged to continue their education because of the environment and sense of anonymity they felt in their previous schools. They recounted some of the personal challenges they confronted and the lack of support they felt. But when they came to South Brooklyn Community High School they were welcomed into a support system that nurtured them both academically and personally. Patrice, a SBCHS graduate had this to say, "After two years at my former high school I dropped out and saw no future for myself. Two months later I enrolled myself in South Brooklyn Community High School where the whole atmosphere was different. I met so many staff members who cared so much about my education. I found myself interested in coming it to school everyday. South Brooklyn became my second home because they welcomed me with open arms."
A highlight of the ceremony was when Alan Fishman, President and CEO of Independence Community Bank presented a full college scholarship to one of our graduates who will be attending Manhattan College. Many of our students will pursue higher education, an accomplishment that they did not think was attainable in the past. The students displayed new hope, confidence and a strong sense of direction, as reflected in Vanessa's words. "Nothing is out of reach. Set goals and meet them, then set new ones as you go along. This is just the beginning for us. The train doesn't stop here."
July 7, 2004
