A Celebration of Perseverance

The room was filled with joy, pride, and reflection as graduates walked the stage in caps and gowns, cheered on by their families, staff, and community partners. For many, the diploma represented not only academic achievement but also resilience and a fresh start.

Goodwill President & CEO Lisa Rusyniak captured the significance of the moment:

“These graduates have faced obstacles most of us can’t imagine, and yet here they are, proving that it’s never too late for a second chance. A high school diploma is more than a piece of paper—it’s a door to opportunity.”

Excel Center Director Sherry DeFrancisci echoed that sentiment, reminding the audience of what makes the school unique:

“The Excel Center is more than a school—it’s a community where adult learners come to rewrite their stories. Each student’s journey is different, but every diploma handed out today represents determination, courage, and the power of second chances.”

She added:

“Our team of teachers, life coaches, and support staff walk alongside students every step of the way. We are so proud to celebrate not only the graduates but the bonds built here that will last a lifetime.”

Student Success Stories

Among those celebrated was D’Andre Jackson Sr., who joined the Excel Center in September 2024. D’Andre quickly became an inspiration to both staff and peers, often reminding others, “This is my time.” During his time at the school, he earned three certifications, including Heavy Equipment Operation, which he plans to use as he launches his own landscaping business in Baltimore City. His journey continues to inspire future cohorts of students to push through challenges and claim their own time.

The Class of 2025’s valedictorian Jessica Lashley, also addressed her peers as student speaker. Jessica not only earned her high school diploma but also graduated from Goodwill’s CNA/GNA program, positioning herself for a meaningful and rewarding career in healthcare. Her remarks highlighted the grit required to balance academic goals with real-world responsibilities, and she urged her classmates to carry the same determination into the next chapter of their lives.

Staff Spotlight

The ceremony also recognized the dedication of staff members like Bryan Lozano, who joined the Excel Center as a life coach in September 2024. Known for his ability to build strong relationships with students, Bryan has taken a particular interest in supporting Multi-Language Learners. Inspired by his work at the school, he has now embarked on his own educational journey, pursuing a master’s degree in social work at the University of Maryland. His story illustrates how the Excel Center transforms not only students’ lives but also the lives of those who serve them.

Education Plus Opportunity

In addition to awarding diplomas, the ceremony honored graduates of Goodwill’s workforce development training programs, including Certified Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Building Trades. This reflects the Excel Center’s holistic model: helping adult learners achieve academic success while preparing them for in-demand careers.

Why It Matters

In Baltimore, tens of thousands of adults still lack a high school diploma—a barrier that limits opportunities and earning potential. The Excel Center is breaking that cycle by offering wraparound supports such as free childcare, career coaching, and the chance to earn industry certifications while completing high school. Every diploma awarded on September 19 represents more than academic progress—it’s a step toward greater stability for individuals, families, and communities.

Looking Ahead

As caps flew into the air and families embraced their graduates, the message of the day rang clear: it’s never too late to finish what you started. For the Class of 2025, the Excel Center is not just the end of a chapter—it’s the beginning of a brighter future.

The post The Excel Center Celebrates Its September 2025 Graduates appeared first on Goodwill Excel Center MD.

For the 19 graduates, this day represents the culmination of a journey that began only a year ago when the Excel Center first opened its doors and welcomed them. These students, all of different backgrounds, ages, and life experiences, share a united goal: to earn their high school diplomas and pave the way to a brighter future.

The Excel Center is not your typical high school. It’s a place where students are offered a second chance — a chance to rewrite their stories and redefine their futures. Many of these graduates have faced daunting challenges, from financial struggles to family obligations, that made completing high school seem like an impossible dream. Yet, with determination, hard work and the support of the dedicated staff at the Excel Center, these individuals have defied the odds.

“This graduation is not just a ceremony. It’s a celebration of resilience and the power of community support,” said Sherry DiFrancisci, Director of the Baltimore Excel Center. “Each of our graduates has a unique story of overcoming obstacles, and their success is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.”

The graduation ceremony, which will be held at the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus Center, promises to be an emotional and inspiring event. Families, friends, and community leaders will gather to honor the graduates’ remarkable achievements. For many of them, this diploma is more than just a piece of paper; it is a key to unlocking future potential. 

Shamar Rice, a 22-year-old aspiring actor, faced bullying and motivational challenges in high school, leading him to drop out three times. But the Excel Center provided him with the supportive and nurturing environment he needed to finally break the cycle.

“I dropped out in ninth grade, tenth grade, and eleventh grade. I went back but I never finished. That stops now,” he said. Shamar has been accepted to the AMDA College of Performing Arts in Los Angeles and his Excel Center diploma will enable him to pursue his dream of higher education.

It was important for Trimiea Cannady to be a role model for her three children. While she admits her pride kept her from going back to school in the past, that all changed with motherhood. “It’s time for Mom to get her stuff together and be a role model for my kids,” she said. 

The Excel Center’s comprehensive approach includes not only academic instruction but also career and life coaching, helping students plan for a future filled with opportunities. Some graduates plan to continue their education at community colleges or trade schools, while others are eager to enter the workforce with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.

As the Excel Center prepares to send off its first graduating class, the sense of pride and accomplishment is palpable. This inaugural commencement is not just a reflection of the hard work of the students, but also of the vision and dedication of Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake in creating a program that addresses a critical need in the community.

As these 19 graduates prepare to walk across the stage, they carry with them not only the weight of their past struggles but also the promise of a brighter future. They are living proof that the Baltimore Excel Center isn’t just a school. It’s a transformative force in the lives of its students.

The post Breaking Cycles, Building Futures: Baltimore Excel Center’s First Class of Graduates Turn Dreams into Diplomas appeared first on Goodwill Excel Center MD.

Although this decline might appear minor, it indicates that an increasing number of students are facing difficulties completing their high school education on time, if at all. Instead of this troubling trend, we need to be going in the opposite direction, providing students with tools to succeed academically and in their future careers. It’s time for a change. 

The Baltimore Excel Center is addressing this growing problem. This adult high school program is designed to assist people who have aged out of the traditional high school education system but still aspire to earn their diploma. The Baltimore Excel Center offers life coaching, flexible class schedules, and support services such as child care, all designed to eliminate barriers that adult learners often face.

Since its inception, the Baltimore Excel Center has experienced overwhelming demand, with more than 200 students registered and over 30 on a waiting list to attend. This surge in enrollment reinforces the pressing need for second chances among Baltimore’s high school dropouts. 

The Baltimore Excel Center stands as a beacon of hope, providing second chances for individuals who have faced obstacles in their educational journey. With its structured yet adaptable educational environment, the center enables students to balance their studies with work and family responsibilities, fostering not only academic success but also overall well-being. 

As Baltimore confronts a decrease in graduation rates, it’s evident that intensified efforts are needed to support all students in their educational journeys. Expanding adult high school programs offers a promising solution, particularly through initiatives like the Baltimore Excel Center. By providing a pathway to graduation for those who have fallen behind, the center reduces the challenges faced by Baltimore’s high school dropouts.

The post Reversing the Dropout Trend: The Baltimore Excel Center’s Solution to Help Students Succeed  appeared first on Goodwill Excel Center MD.