Metrocenter Academy
Student Achieves Success!

June 29, 2006
Theresa*, now a May 2006 Metrocenter Academy graduate, is on her way on becoming a future police officer. However, getting there would prove to be a challenging road for her. After attending Sunnyslope High School for the first few years of her high school career, she found herself struggling not only with attendance, but behavior.

Theresa started attending Metrocenter Academy in January of 2005. After being there for a couple of months, Theresa was dropped from the academy due to attendance problems. Theresa was offered the chance to return to school for the next session, but school staff warned that it would be her only chance. She knew this might be her last chance in completing her credits and graduating.

Without hesitation, Theresa returned to school, but this time it was different. She was now a completely different student. Shortly after her return, one of the Metrocenter teachers recognized her potential in becoming a great future leader. Her new attitude and outlook on her education made Theresa a perfect choice to join the Valley Youth Leadership program. Valley Youth Leadership is a 12 week course that teaches students on becoming involved with the community and developing leadership skills.

Theresa, once a high school dropout, was now skilled, determined, dedicated, and willing to give herself the chance of a lifetime. In a matter 5 months, she completed more than 10 classes which made her eligible to graduate in May 2006.

How is this possible? How did she accomplish such a feat? Theresa not only attended double sessions in the morning and afternoon to catch up, but she gained the trust and support from school staff and become involved in the community.

“I really like this, it makes me feel good” Theresa said after serving more than 200 dinners at St. Vincent De Paul. Theresa now understood the value of helping and giving to our community.

Through her Metrocenter Academy classes and Valley Youth Leadership, Theresa learned how to ask for help and get resources that would help her succeed. With this new knowledge, she was able to stay focused and complete all her class assignments and meet the graduation deadline.

What is Theresa’s reward for her hard work and dedication? Having her friends and family members see her walk across the stage and receive her High School Diploma.

Congratulations Theresa!

* Name changed to protect identity