Nashville’s WTVF: Simon Youth Academy graduation brings students back from the brink

Simon Youth Academies in six nationwide communities celebrated mid-term graduation ceremonies in December, 2011, and January, 2012.

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, a proud group of 88 students crossed the stage during the commencement event for the Simon Youth Academy at Hickory Hollow Mall in Nashville, Tenn.

Each of the graduates had dropped out or were on the verge of dropping out of their traditional high school before enrolling at the Academy. Their stories of triumph and hope were covered by Nashville’s local CBS News affiliate WTVF Channel 5. Channel 5′s story is posted below.

Congratulations to all of our amazing Simon Youth Foundation 2011 mid-term graduates!