PRIDE Academy celebrated its Fall Semester graduation Monday evening, recognizing students who completed their high school diplomas through the district’s non-traditional program.
The ceremony was held at the Henderson Middle School cafeteria and honored the PRIDE Academy Class of 2026. With this graduating class, PRIDE Academy has now served 502 graduates over the past decade.
Graduates included Brylon Armstrong, Syndall Brooks, Travin Davis, Isaiah Doan, Tucker Guth, Janiyah Jordan, Kodie Moore, Kaylup Pellum, Kristopher Pennington, Natalie Thomas, Laderiya Townsend, JaKavieon Tribble, Savanna Van Fleet and Cole Whitlock.
In her senior address, Montgomery Achievement Center Principal Holly Wilson said PRIDE students often follow a different educational path while meeting the same graduation standards.
“Each cap and gown here today tells a unique story of resilience, determination and grit,” Wilson said.
Wilson noted that many students balanced coursework with jobs, family responsibilities, health challenges and other obstacles while completing classes.
“You proved there is no single right way to learn and no single correct path to success,” she said.
Wilson encouraged graduates heading to college, trade school, the military or the workforce to carry forward the independence and self-discipline developed through the program.
“You didn’t just earn a diploma,” she said. “You earned a pathway to your future in a way that worked for you.”
The ceremony also included a welcome from Yulanda Wall, a prayer by Tucker Guth, pledges led by Cole Whitlock and a student address from Savanna Van Fleet. Superintendent Brian Bowman certified the graduates, and members of the Board of Trustees participated in the diploma processional.