Of the many graduations we’ve held over the years, each represents a significant achievement against odds and expectations. But a Penikese diploma, even for all it represents, is still not a high school diploma. Yes, some students earn enough credits while at Penikese to qualify, but others have missed so much school that they can never completely make up for lost time no matter how hard they try. Many of these boys leave Penikese promising to return to high school and complete their requirements, but for those facing independent living, school has a tough time competing with trying to make it on your own. It is easy to talk the talk, but how quickly life in the real world can sweep those promises and best intentions away.
That is why we take this moment to salute three Penikese alumni: Joel, Vaughn (with his mother at his Penikese graduation two years ago), and DeAndre. Each stayed in school after leaving Penikese and as their reward recently walked with classmates in cap and gown to receive their high school diplomas. During this time all three kept closely connected to Penikese through our Aftercare program. One student even chose to stay nearby in Falmouth until he finished high school before returning to his hometown near Boston, a choice that reflected his trust in us. We couldn’t be more proud. Congratulations!
We aren’t saying that working with Joel, Vaughn and DeAndre was always a cakewalk. In fact, our boys are almost never easy. But don’t underestimate the importance of being there for someone and believing in what they are capable of. After all, who among us can’t think back to a difficult time in our lives to recall someone who helped us through, and where we might be now if that person hadn’t taken the time or thought we were worth the trouble? Penikese boys are little different than anybody else except for having far fewer people willing to take a shot with them.
For this reason we thank you for whatever role you play in supporting Penikese and its one-boy-at-a-time mission. Whether through your gifts and donations, by spreading the good word or your service as a volunteer, you are there for Penikese in the same way we are for our students. Thank you for taking a shot with them, and us!
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