The side park of the 600 wing of the Americus-Sumter Freshman Academy was filled with eager students who wanted to share their positive comments with those who gathered to enjoy the annual Year End Celebration of the Performance Learning Center (PLC).

The opening welcome by student, Levi Goddard, set the pace for the event. He said, “Good morning! I first came to the PLC in my junior year of high school. If I had not come here, I would still be in high school, struggling to get finished. Now, I am about to graduate and I plan to go to South Georgia Technical College and study aviation maintenance.

“I would like to welcome you to our Fourth End of Year Celebration. Each May, we recognize PLC students who have excelled in the classroom and in the community as part of this unique program. We will recognize all of the PLC students, but especially those who will be finishing their high school coursework.”

Goddard continued, “This year, 38 PLC graduates are scheduled to march at high school graduation on May 16. These are students who otherwise would not be graduating, had they not taken the initiative to come to the PLC and get the help and support they needed to finish their work.

“Much of that support came from you, our parents, mentors, teachers and staff members who did not give up on us. Thank you all for your support. Thank you for being here today and for sharing in this proud moment with us.”

There was one PLC honor graduate in 2007-2007 and two honor graduates, Keandra Lusane and Eric Biggs, in 2007-2008. After the program and gift sharing, guests and scheduled graduates enjoyed a reception and networking for the future contact.