Nineteen Seniors from the Class of 2011 graduated from Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy (NELA) on Friday morning. This was only the second class of seniors to graduate from Northpoint since the school's inception in August of 2006.

Several hundred people filled the auditorium at the Rowle P. Simmons Adult Center to celebrate the efforts and hard work that these students had put in to achieve this honor. And, quite an achievement it was, too, as these 19 students collectively earned well over $500,000 in scholarships and grants to help them on their way to college. (That averages to more than $26,000 apiece.)

With a smaller graduation class, it is possible to have a more intimate graduation ceremony. And this ceremony was definitely intimate - each student was introduced by an instructor, after which the student gave brief comments of their own. The introductions were insightful, the responses were heartfelt. There was a genuine affection felt during this ceremony - one student said, "You're not just my teachers and mentors, you're my friends."

That same student also stated with confidence, "I've learned a lot from Northpoint. I've learned the importance of teamwork... I've learned how the world works, I've learned who I am."

Another said, "I'm proud to be here, and proud to have graduated from Northpoint. I know that I have been prepared to succeed in life and be fulfilled."

A common thread through all of the introductions and comments, however, was the recognition of the great promise that unfolded in these students during the last four years.

Perhaps the best and most touching example of this was when Mr. Mentken, a teacher that has been at Northpoint since the doors opened, introduced one particular student by saying, "Wednesday morning, this young man said to me with satisfaction, great pride, and a smile from ear to ear, 'They told me I would never graduate.' His sense of accomplishment was powerful and moving. These four years have not been the easiest for this young man, but what makes this period meaningful is that he has persevered and succeeded... I am honored and humbled to introduce a young man that is proud about his choices and excited about his future."

Ramie Liddle, Northpoint's School Counselor summed up their achievements when she gave the Address to the Graduates (click on 'Dim lights' to see a larger version of the video.):

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Afterwards, NELA Director Geneva Saint-Amour said, "The class of 2011 has proven themselves to be a powerful, compassionate group of individuals. I have treasured the opportunity to work with them and look forward to hearing from them again in the future!"

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