July 20,2010

Metro Atlanta Youth Build 2010 Graduation

 

Metro Atlanta Youth Build awarded GEDs or Diplomas to 22 graduates at its spring 2010 commencement ceremony. “YouthBuild” is a 12-month program for low-income youth, ages 16-24, which allows them to work toward their GEDs or high school diplomas while learning job skills. The program emphasizes leadership development and community service. “YouthBuild” creates a positive peer group to compete with the lure of the streets while developing new young leaders who have surpassed poverty in the City’s deprived communities.

The ceremony was filled with proud families and friends who came to support and honor the graduates on their accomplishments.  The keynote speaker was Rev. Deanna Fountain-Breeden. She addressed the graduates as she stated to them “It is your season”.  When her speech was over she brought the graduates as well as the supporting crowd to a stand.

Tanyetta Sligh, the proud parent of graduate, Michael Williams stated, “I am just so overwhelmed with tears, I’m just so happy that my son was able to complete getting his GED. It been a long time coming, and it’s been a long struggle as a single parent and I’m just so proud of my son.”
Many of the graduates have already been accepted into two and four year institutions; and others have gotten themselves prepared to step into the working class. They still and will always live by their Affirmation:

I am a leader who is making a positive difference within my span of influence. Like all other great leaders, I lead by serving others with integrity and respect. What I do matters and will have an impact on my future. Today I will do what is necessary to build a better life for me, my family, and my community. I am committed to doing the right thing and doing what I say that I am going to do. My goals are clear and I have no doubt that I will accomplish every goal that I set. I will continue to surround myself with others who are striving like me to leave a positive mark on this earth that cannot be erased.

Youth Build Graduate Delano Johnson Displays numerous awards for outstanding achievement.