Goodwill, Loved Ones Honor Ecademie's Class of 2009
Did you know that Goodwill of Central Arizona operates a charter high school called ecademie?
Goodwill's ecademie high school serves as a hub for students who are involved with Goodwill's Youth Workforce Development program, as well as being open to youth ages 14 to 21 in the community at-large. ecademie offers a personalized, high-quality educational environment. Our teachers and staff are caring and dedicated professionals who ensure that each student reaches his or her fullest potential.
Students are offered core curriculum studies while enrolled in Goodwill of Central Arizona’s career training and soft skills programs to ensure success after high school. Furthermore, ecademie provides classroom instruction from highly qualified teachers—based on No Child Left Behind (NCLB) criteria—and self-paced learning using approved software programs.
On average, students attend ecademie for two years before they earn the state-mandated 20 credits they need to graduate. Students must also pass the Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) test.
Due to the valuable lessons and skills learned during their course of their enrollment at ecademie High School, 85 graduates will have the opportunity to pursue a higher education, high-caliber training, or careers in the modern work force.
In May, hundreds of proud family members, friends, ecademie staff members and Goodwill employees gathered in the Bulpitt Auditorium at Phoenix College, to celebrate the achievements of ecademie's Class of 2009 during a festive ceremony.
Guest speaker Travis Hearn inspired the graduates with his message about overcoming obstacles and dreaming big so they can achieve your personal best in life. Hearn works with the Phoenix Suns as their Chaplain and in his spare time, he shares his messages with audiences around Arizona as the CEO of I.C.E. Presentations while also serving as the Youth Minister at Radiant Church in Surprise.
Principal Kristen Smith gave an emotional address to the ecademie graduates.
"Today is a day of celebration and pride," said Smith. "I hope that you work hard and continue to learn. You are receiving your diplomas today but there is so much more to learn accomplish."
The touching stories of all students were read as they walked on stage to collect their diplomas. Many of the ecademie pupils were first-generation graduates.
Alexis Mendoza said the graduating from ecademie has opened the doors for a brigther future.
"I plan to attend college and become a medical assistant," said Mendoza.
If you are interested in learning about more about ecademie high school, please visit goodwillaz.org/ecademie or call 602-416-6400. Enrollment is open to the public year-round.
