Donuts, Diplomas, and Determination: Celebrating Summer Graduates
Summer School Becomes a Second Chance for Excel Students
For a group of students from Excel Academies of Philadelphia, this summer wasn’t just a break from the school year but a second chance to achieve something big.
On a Friday in July, 51 seniors from Excel Academies North, South, and Central gathered for “Donuts and Diplomas,” a joyful celebration of their hard work, perseverance, and success. Through Excel’s accelerated summer school program, these students earned their diplomas, many achieving a milestone that once felt just out of reach.
The program offers students a unique and often final opportunity to graduate, allowing them to earn credit for courses they didn’t previously fail. In just five weeks, students can earn up to two full credits, making it a fast-paced, high-impact program that’s built into their academic plans from the beginning of the year.
The smaller class sizes and added support create a more focused learning environment.
Staff Support and Student Determination Make the Difference
“It’s a great opportunity,” said teacher Tiffany Davis. “Many of these students faced real challenges throughout the year. Seeing them walk away with diplomas was incredibly meaningful. It was a reminder of what’s possible when we believe in our students and support them every step of the way.”
Even in the middle of summer, students were ready to work. They stayed focused, pushed through long days, and kept their eyes on the prize: graduation.
“Seeing students stay motivated and show up every day, even though it’s summertime and they wanted to hang out with their friends, really showed their determination,” Davis said.
One Student’s Journey to Graduation
One graduate, Gia Keener from Excel North, shared how much the experience meant to her. “Although I started off rocky and feeling miserable, Mr. Blunt and Ms. Tiff made each day better,” she said. “Before I knew it, I was waking up on time, looking forward to coming, and actually making an effort. In the end, it’s a proud and rewarding feeling, especially seeing you guys proud of me.”
Behind every diploma was a team of dedicated staff who truly went above and beyond, making phone calls home to ensure students showed up, providing extra time to complete assignments, and giving one-on-one support whenever it was needed.
“It is a powerful reminder of what can happen when we believe in our students and give them the tools to succeed,” said Davis. “This is why we do what we do.”
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