They came with 18 unique stories of life challenges, setbacks and redemption. But together, they all accepted their high school diplomas Friday \u2013 and a valued sense of accomplishment that once seemed impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pace Center for Girls, Clay, celebrated one of its largest graduating classes in the program\u2019s history. For many, the center was the last chance to earn a degree and not become a forgotten casualty of the academic process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some are victims of a broken home. Others had poor school attendance or needed more emotional and one-on-one education support. It wasn\u2019t always easy \u2013 nothing worthwhile is \u2013 but they persevered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are here today to celebrate this huge accomplishment because the journey wasn\u2019t always easy,\u201d said Salutatorian Lillie Troutman. \u201cIf someone had told me a few years ago, I would be standing here graduating early, literally, I would have laughed in their face. Before I came to Pace, I was making questionable decisions, giving my parents a lot of gray hair. I was behind in school without any goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve worked so hard today; we all should be proud of how far we\u2019ve come. Yes, we all know how stressful and joyful, sometimes dreadful, it can be. We worked hard, not only academically but also on ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Troutman closed by quoting Tupac Shakur: \u201cOur future is our confidence and self-esteem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Katelyn Stocks, the Academic Coordinator at Pace, said this year\u2019s class \u201cholds a special place in my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had the opportunity to teach and be taught by them,\u201d she said. \u201cTheir work ethic, leadership and persistence constantly challenged us to show up and do our best. It\u2019s bittersweet today because I could not wait to watch you graduate. But it is so hard to watch you go. You are going to do amazing things, and I\u2019m so lucky to have walked beside you during this part of your journey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n