Thundering applause, whistles and cat calls followed, just the first of numerous boisterous acknowledgments of the accomplishments. Not all the graduates could make it to celebration Thursday, but six did and were honored by their case workers.
Holly Burns told the crowd her charge, 18-year-old Jayla, has had some rough spots but has persevered regardless.
“Jayla has shown no fear, she has done a lot things that I as a however old adult would be scared to do,” Burns said. “She returned to the school district where she was removed from a long time ago and instead of being scared, she jumped in and said, I’m going to play basketball, I’m going to run for Homecoming Court, I’m going to run track and also qualify for districts. I’m going to graduate, I’m going to recover some credits and I’m going to walk (at graduation).’ And that’s exactly what she did.”
The case workers and administration at the agency provide all the food for the festivities and build care baskets with things like pots and pans and other items the teens will need to be on their own. Jayla has been in her own apartment for about six months and wants to go into culinary arts. Burns said they are working on making that dream come true.
Brian, who is 17, plans to attend Wright State University and study political science and business. He recently reunited with his father, and his case worker Kelly Sowder said everyone should get to know the teen.
“He’s one of the coolest, most intelligent kids you’ll ever meet,” Sowder said. “His goal was to not let being in the foster care system define who he is.”
If Brian weren't already back home with his dad he would not be aged out the system, like 18-year-old Felicia. The legislature recently enacted a foster care bill that extends the age emancipation to 21. The bill was a long time in the making and Felicia said she wishes the new law, which won't be implemented for a couple years, had passed quicker.
“I think it could have been like helpful to be an option,” she said. “Because like some kids are forced to go out on their own when they’re not ready and if they would like help, it would be nice for them to get it.”
Sexton was Felicia’s case worker and she said when the girl came into the system she wouldn’t talk and didn’t want to “share” things about herself. She will be starting at the Aveda Fredric’s Institute to study cosmetology on July 14.
“I’ve been here for 14 years and I have never been so proud,” Sexton said. “It makes me so happy to see how far she’s come and to know the things she is going to do.”
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