Alternative Education Celebrates Early Grads

Alternative Education Celebrates Early Grads

Kayden Cabezal, Lillie Trumble, Raven Carrick,. Not pictured: Cole Witt.

Photo: Lisa Blanchette

By Lisa Blanchette

It’s not even June, but “Pomp and Circumstance” is in the air at Sanford High School’s Alternative Education program. Four students in the program are completing their high school diploma requirements and will receive Sanford High School diplomas on Jan. 24. This is no small feat: Graduates are required to earn 27 credits and perform 20 hours of community service.

Students in the Alternative Education program are there for various reasons, but many say that the main school didn’t fit their learning style. The alternative program offers smaller classes and other accommodations for students’ different needs.

Kayden Cabezal of Sanford said the Alt program helped him address his anxiety issues by providing small classes that created an environment that allowed him to thrive. He didn’t have a plan to graduate early, he just kept taking his required classes and electives as they became available and were recommended by Director Karen Webb, and it all fell into place. Kayden said early conversations with Christopher Jeney, his science teacher, put him at ease in the Alt program and Mr. Jeney became his biggest advocate at school. Kayden said his mom is his biggest cheerleader at home, so he was happy that taking auto tech classes enabled him to help fix her car. He has plans to join the Job Corps and pursue a career in welding or law enforcement and thinks that someday he might move to California.

Raven Carrick of Sanford tried attending regular Sanford High classes before the Alt program, and it was a struggle for her. She was thankful to be placed in the Alt program, where she was able to flourish. Raven says she remembers being welcomed into the program as a freshman. Over time, the program developed into a family of which she is a full part, recognizing that members have differences and disagreements but can still come together and have that “heartwarming” feeling. Her biggest supporter at school is social studies teacher Kyleann Brickett and her mom is her biggest cheerleader at home. Raven plans to join the Job Corps and pursue a career in culinary arts. Someday she thinks she might move to a warmer climate and possibly incorporate her love of cooking with her love of art.

Lillie Trumble of Sanford says she had struggled in school since the seventh grade, so the Alt program was a great fit for her. Lillie feels well supported by both Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Brickett at school. Her immediate plans are to work, then attend York County Community College’s Digital Arts Program in the fall. Her goal is to be an animator for DreamWorks. During her time at the Alt program, she says she has grown personally and taken some important life lessons to heart, especially those in personal finance.

Cole Witt of Springvale says he knew from the start that the Alt program would be a better fit for him than the main school. His goal in achieving early graduation is to start working as soon as possible to better his financial situation and that of his family. His support system includes a fellow student named Dakota, his dad, and his girlfriend. Cole’s immediate plans are to find a job in the culinary field. Someday he would like to travel the world and maybe experience the culinary aspects of other parts of the world. When asked how the Alt program has changed him, Cole said that he went from someone who was failing to someone who was not just passing but graduating early, he has matured, is a responsible individual, and he has learned to respect himself as well as those around him.

Webb, the program’s director, said she and the Alt Education staff are very proud of the students’ accomplishment. She added that most of the seniors have been in the program for three or four years, so the staff has watched them grow and mature into these young adults who they can take pride in. 

Though they are graduating now, all four students said they plan to return and march with the class of 2025 during graduation ceremonies in June.

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