The Lake Michigan waterfront was alive with excitement Thursday night as a night of celebration ensued for 15 graduates from the Bridge Academy youth and adult education programs in Benton Harbor. Family members, friends, board members and community partners joined in the event at the Jean Klock Park Pavilion last evening, as graduates were honored for achieving either a GED or high school diploma to help them prepare for the next steps in their lives with a brief ceremony.
Allie Knapp, Director of the Bridge Academy, says, “We are especially proud of our 2021 graduates because not only were they successful in obtaining their education, but they rose above the pandemic to do it,” and adds, “Our team looks forward to this day every year because we get to see each individual student celebrate their successes with the people that mean the most to them. It was a great night full of celebration.”
There were several special awards and acknowledgements made during the ceremony, highlighting the many achievements for the 2021 graduating class. The Karrington Penny Memorial Academic Achievement Award and scholarship, sponsored by Kimberly Penny-Word, was presented to Cody Laylin. Also celebrated during the ceremony was Alumni of the Year, awarded to DeAsia Sandifer who graduated from the Bridge Academy in 2019 and is currently living and working in Anderson, Indiana. Sandifer earned both her diploma and CNA training while attending Bridge Academy and being involved as a YouthBuild participant. Bridge Academy graduate, Amari McKinney, was also acknowledged as a 2021 Youth of the Year award winner through the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program.
The Bridge Academy has historically been operated by Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren and in partnership with Berrien Springs Public Schools. Through that partnership, the Bridge Academy has offered academic programs including online high school diploma or GED.
The 21-22 school year looks different in a good way. Michigan Works! will partner with The Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan public-school academy board to continue providing innovative options serving a wide variety of students. That includes students who are seeking a flexible, no-nonsense approach to education that is connected to career preparation and job readiness. In addition, the Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan offers vocational training programs in high demand industries such as:
- National Retail Federation
- Pre-Apprentice Construction Training
- Certified Nurse Assistant training
Those interested in enrolling in the Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan can call (269) 927-1064, x1400. For more information or general questions, you can“like” them on Facebook at Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan or visit online at: http://www.bridgeacademyswm.org.
