The students of Phoenix Academy High School spread their wings Monday night at the mid-year graduation. Six students earned their high school diplomas at an intimate ceremony attended by friends and family at Extraordinary Ventures.
The ceremony began with recollections by the teachers and students, fondly recalling the challenges overcome on the journey to graduation. Principal John Williams delivered an emotional summation of all the hard work that went into Monday’s accomplishments.
“Everyone else will give up on these kids before they give up on themselves,” Williams said.
Phoenix Academy is an alternative high school that capitalizes on an individualized educational approach. The school conducts small graduation ceremonies after every fall and spring semester to recognize the accomplishments of the graduates. This year, graduates included a student going into the Armed Forces as well as a young woman headed to Durham Tech to pursue a lifelong dream of nursing. Other students were either intending to start college or had already begun.
Each student was recognized for the exceptional hard work and motivation it took to reach this milestone in their young lives.
"When these students walk out the doors tonight, their true lives will actually begin." said Williams. 
