On Thursday, January 17, 2008, 28 High School seniors graduated from Eagle Academy High School. The graduation consisted of speeches given by teachers and students, and a rock ballad by student Spencer Nook. Each student received a diploma signifying that they finished high school. There are two things that made this different though. First, it was in January rather then in May or June. Second, every student at that graduation was given a second chance at succeeding at High School.

Every year, at least 10% of all High School students drop out every year. All of these seniors could have easily been, but instead the decided to rise above it.

Eagle Academy is known by most of the students as the school of second chances. The reason why is because of the students that go to it. The students at Eagle were not the honor students. Most of them were what most people would consider the thugs. These are the kids who most people would look at and think that they are not going anywhere. Thursday night had proven other wise.

"I don't think it is possible to describe how much we all look forward to our graduations," said Principal Doug Seligman. "Each one is special since each one represents the end of one journey and the beginning of another, but the steps they take that night reflect courage, hope, and desire to try one last time to earn a high school diploma."

These young men and women have made it to the real world. Their goals in life show that they are more then just the outcasts. Their perseverance shows their more then just thugs. These young adults are great and could one day become the future leaders of America. These men and women are ready for the world, and what ever it throws at them.