New Path Academy celebrates first graduates, helps their continued pursuit of education
In the school’s first graduation, two seniors walked away with their diplomas and a check to help them continue their education.
New Path Academy’s graduates Toby Austin Gilbert and Robert Lujano were joined by 50 people at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown on Friday for the intimate ceremony.
Lujano aged out over two years ago and came to New Path Academy with just 11 credits. He worked hard year-round to catch up and graduate. He has been self-sufficient living on his own since he was 16 years old, holding the same job and never getting into trouble.
Gilbert lives with a guardian and has a similar story to his fellow classmate, but managed through hard work to stay in school and graduate on time.
Both graduates will continue their education at Manatee Technical College. New Path Academy supplied each graduate with a $1,000 scholarship to help with textbooks and incidentals.
New Path Academy
Graduates: 2
Speakers: President and CEO of New Path Academy Jennifer Radebach and Manatee County Commissioner Robin DiSabatino.
Shining moment: Radebach presented each graduate with a silver fork to serve as a constant reminder of the fork in the road, to stop, think, always do what’s right, to sometimes take the difficult road, to take the high road, and make informed choices that lead them to the path of becoming a productive citizen.
Interesting fact: It was the Academy’s first graduation and the school provided both graduates with a $1,000 scholarship to help with books and incidentals.
Best quote: “I’ve come a long way to be where I am, thanks to Ms. Radebach, a great, phenomenal person who has helped and supported me. So my message to you is never give up, no matter the situation,” Robert Lujano said.
This story was originally published June 5, 2017 at 9:11 PM with the headline "New Path Academy celebrates first graduates, helps their continued pursuit of education."