Success Academy Celebrates Record 37 Graduates in Maryland

Success Academy in Frederick County, Maryland, celebrated a milestone on Friday when 37 students with disabilities received their diplomas in the school's largest graduation since opening in 1999.

The secondary transition program serves students ages 18 to 21, helping them build real-world skills for careers and independent living. This year's graduating class more than doubled the typical size, marking a record-breaking moment for the school.

Graduate Ella Penny could barely contain her excitement about receiving her diploma and celebrating with family over "lots of yummy food." She's already landed a part-time position at Texas Roadhouse with plans to work full-time as a server.

Daniel Mendoza got emotional thinking about graduation but looked forward to celebrating at a steakhouse with his dad. His summer plans include swimming, beach trips, eating crabs, and spending time with his girlfriend.

Trey Brenneman called graduating "an honor and a pleasure" and is excited to start his new job as a host at Chili's. First on his agenda? Sleeping in after years of early mornings.

The ceremony featured special traditions including students singing the national anthem and reciting poetry together. Graduates wore colored cords representing their achievements: gold for community service, royal blue for career readiness, and white for postsecondary education.

Student speaker Alina Partch highlighted the practical skills she learned at Success Academy, from housekeeping and cooking to math. She especially loved using her Christmas gift metal detector during school activities to search for buried treasures.

School board member Karen Yoho told graduates about her first visit to Success Academy in 2019. "It didn't take long for me to realize that this is one of the happiest places in FCPS," she said.

Why This Inspires

The graduating class created a lasting legacy by establishing the annual Golden Eagle Award to honor outstanding staff members. They presented the first award to school counselor Rachel Sessions, who tearfully accepted flowers from students whose lives she helped shape.

Principal Tracy Jaramillo closed the ceremony by celebrating the students' resilience and playfully mentioning their recent prank of switching homerooms. "I know with certainty that you are going places among this graduating class, our future artists, retail professionals, baristas, entrepreneurs and so much more," she said.

Students danced out of the theater to "Best Day of My Life," heading toward careers, independence, and bright futures built on the foundation Success Academy helped them create.