245 Students Celebrate Philadelphia High School Graduation

This June, 245 students from SESI schools across Philadelphia celebrated a significant milestone: earning their high school diplomas.

Philadelphia High School Graduation Brings Schools Together

Graduates from Achieve Academy, Achieve Academy East, Excel Academy Central, Excel Academy North, Excel Academy South, and Philadelphia Continuation Academy gathered at Temple Performing Arts Center with their families, teachers, and peers to mark the occasion and reflect on their accomplishments.

Student Voices and Special Recognition

The ceremony featured remarks from student speakers representing each school. They shared reflections on their high school experiences and the lessons they will carry with them into the future.

The event also recognized the Teachers and Staff of the Year from participating schools. It included the presentation of the Joe Carter Scholarship to Denum Johnson-Torrence from Achieve Academy.

Celebrating Academic Growth and Perseverance

For the Class of 2026, graduation represents the culmination of years of academic effort, personal growth, and goal setting. Throughout their time at SESI schools, students worked toward earning credits, meeting graduation requirements, and preparing for life after high school.

For Amina Jones of Excel Academy South, the moment became real as she crossed the stage. She described the highlight as “walking across the stage with the peace sign up, knowing I was almost done.”

Preparing for Life After High School

As graduates move on to employment, postsecondary education, training programs and other opportunities, they leave with the skills and experiences they developed both in and out of the classroom.

SESI is proud to recognize the achievements of the Class of 2026 and congratulates all graduates on their important accomplishment.