“Hardships are not new to me,” says Will*. “I refuse to allow obstacles to stop me from pursuing my aspirations.”  

Will shared these words at his high school graduation ceremony in our dining hall, surrounded by people who cared about him.

Graduating high school is an incredible accomplishment for Will and the youth we serve. They have faced hardships like abuse, neglect, and trauma that make their education journey more complex.  

But we don't define these youth by what they've been through. We see their potential.

“Their past does not control their potential, and their challenges do not cancel their future,” says Ashgrove Academy principal Marci Smith.

Our staff love gathering to celebrate a graduation. “Pomp and Circumstance” plays through the speaker as the graduates enter, wearing their cap and gown. Family, friends, and staff stand and applaud. Cake is passed around. Laughter is shared. The graduate smiles with pride as their photo is taken.  

Holding their diploma shows our youth that they can do anything they put their minds to do.  

Will shared in his graduation speech, “I am profoundly grateful for every single individual who has helped propel me forward—a number that likely reaches into the hundreds. Every word of encouragement I received...contributed to building my self-esteem and confidence. I've run the distance, now I'm ready to fly the flight.”

When you donate to KyUMH, you are one of those individuals that is encouraging our young people to achieve their dreams. There are many young people that still need that extra support.

Please give today to help more young people in Kentucky change the tassel on their cap.

*Will is a pseudonym.