For some, the journey took months. For others, it took decades.

The Excel Center, operated by Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, was created for adults whose education was interrupted by life’s challenges—whether those challenges were raising children, working full-time, overcoming addiction, immigrating to a new country, caring for family members, or simply surviving difficult circumstances.

As the school prepares to celebrate its third graduating class and a major milestone of 100 graduates, it’s worth pausing to recognize the remarkable stories behind the diplomas.

Here are five graduates whose journeys remind us that education is not defined by age, but by determination.

Danielle Clubb: Reclaiming a Life and Building a New Future

Three years ago, Danielle Clubb was fighting to overcome addiction and rebuild her life.

After leaving school at 17, she spent decades struggling with substance abuse. When she achieved sobriety in July 2023, she made a promise to herself: she would get her life back.

That promise led her to the Baltimore Excel Center.

While balancing recovery, parenting responsibilities, and the challenge of returning to school after nearly three decades away from the classroom, Danielle worked toward a goal she once thought was impossible. Along the way, she regained custody of her children, rebuilt family relationships, and discovered a new purpose.

This summer, she will become the Baltimore Excel Center’s 100th graduate.

Even more importantly, she will begin training as a Peer Recovery Specialist, allowing her to help others facing the same struggles she once experienced herself.

For Danielle, the diploma isn’t the end of the story. It’s the beginning of a new chapter.

Beverly Hammond: Overcoming Illness to Keep Moving Forward

For Beverly Hammond, graduation almost didn’t happen.

After enrolling in the Excel Center, she underwent weight-loss surgery and experienced severe complications that left her unable to eat for nearly ten months.

Many people would have stepped away from school.

Beverly refused.

Despite health setbacks and recovery challenges, she remained focused on her goal. She credits the support of her coaches, teachers, and fellow students with helping her stay on course.

Now she is preparing for the next step: college and a future in forensic science and criminal justice.

Her story is a reminder that persistence often matters more than circumstances.

Deja Simms: A Diploma Earned One Day at a Time

When Deja Simms became a mother, everything changed.

Before her son Jakari was born, she often told herself that school wasn’t for her. After becoming a parent, education became something different—a responsibility, a goal, and a source of motivation.

With the support of the Excel Center’s free on-site childcare program, Deja was able to attend classes while caring for her young son.

She completed the high school program in less than four months and then continued pursuing workforce certifications to become a pharmacy technician.

Today she has a job waiting for her once her licensing process is complete.

Her next goal? Becoming an EMT and eventually earning a nursing degree.

For Deja, success isn’t about where she started. It’s about the example she’s setting for her son.

Tyeeshia Cannady: Showing Her Children What’s Possible

When Tyeeshia Cannady first saw an advertisement for the Excel Center on Facebook, she almost ignored it.

Thankfully, she didn’t.

As a mother of five, Tyeeshia had spent years putting her children’s needs ahead of her own educational goals. Returning to school wasn’t easy, but she wanted to prove something to her children: it is never too late to finish what you started.

Along the way, she faced one of the most difficult experiences imaginable—the loss of her mother.

There were moments when she wasn’t sure she could continue.

But she did.

Today, she is preparing to graduate and pursue additional training in healthcare while serving as a role model for her children, including a daughter who has been one of her biggest supporters throughout the journey.

Olivia Cruz Rivera: Opening Doors Through Education

Originally from Honduras, Olivia Cruz Rivera understood firsthand how a missing diploma can limit opportunities.

For years, she worked as a teacher’s assistant and was often told she had a natural gift for working with children. But without a high school diploma, advancing into a teaching role wasn’t possible.

At the Excel Center, she strengthened her English skills, completed her coursework, and achieved a lifelong dream.

Now she is considering business classes and exploring new career opportunities.

Olivia believes education opens doors—not only for better jobs, but for greater confidence and independence.

Her journey reflects the experiences of many adult learners who arrive at the Excel Center determined to create new opportunities for themselves and their families.

More Than a Diploma

The graduates of the Baltimore Excel Center have different backgrounds, different challenges, and different goals.

Some are beginning new careers. Others are preparing for college. Some are rebuilding their lives after addiction, illness, or personal hardship. Others are creating opportunities that simply weren’t available before.

What they share is a refusal to let their past determine their future.

Their stories are reminders that success doesn’t always follow a traditional timeline. Sometimes it arrives after years of setbacks, sacrifice, perseverance, and hard work.

And when it does, it’s worth celebrating.

On June 26, these graduates will cross the stage and receive their diplomas.

But what they’ll really be celebrating is something even bigger: the belief that it’s never too late to start again.

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