Possibilities are endless for Potential Development grads
YOUNGSTOWN — Mercades Emery may have mixed feelings about concluding her time at Potential Development High School, but if things go her way, she likely will convert feeling bittersweet into a boomerang effect.
“It feels great, by the way,” said Emery, 18, of Lisbon, who is on the autism spectrum.
Emery, who wore an orange cap and gown, was referring to being among the 13 Potential Development High students who took home diplomas after Friday morning’s Class of 2024 graduation ceremony at Stambaugh Auditorium.
The other 12 Potential Development graduates were Colin Cashbaugh, Jaylon Dent, Preston Frost and Kasey Tensley, all of Youngstown; Jeffrey Jack Carroll, Christoph Rhoades and Tina Smith, all of Austintown; Skye Dement, Mineral Ridge; Gavin Gorby, Salem; Aidan Martinez, Canfield; Noah Roscoe, New Middletown; and Rowan Tabbara, McDonald.
The 13 students earned Department of Education credits through a variety of pathways toward earning their diplomas.
Even though Emery had shed a few tears the night before the graduation, she also is looking forward to a future that consists partly of attending Kent State University, with a career goal of becoming a teacher, she said.
What is Emery’s school of choice to launch her career? Potential Development High School, she added.
“I want to help other students the same way I’ve been helped,” she said, adding that in the meantime, a position at Bob Evans restaurant in Boardman awaits her.
Emery also thanked several Potential Development High staff, including Tiffany Brown, Dave Harper, a teacher’s aide, and former teacher Matthew Williams, for their kindness and compassion in further helping her to thrive and grow.
Brown, who has taught three years at the Youngstown school for those on the autism spectrum, handles a multifaceted curriculum that includes English, math and other academics in a self-contained classroom, combined with practical skills that better prepare the students to gain employment, for example. She also teaches them a variety of life and teen-building skills such as filling out a job application, looking at career choices and being in the community to allow the students to improve their socialization and interactions with one another and others, she noted.
“They need to know how to (best) live when they leave here,” Brown said, adding that the students also took part earlier this month in a talent show that was part comedy and singing.
For his part, Tensley has his eye on possible restaurant work — specifically, serving as a cook or at a cash register, he said.
When it came to expressing his feelings about donning a cap and gown, Tensley displayed a hint of stoicism.
“It’s awesome; I knew this day would come,” he said, adding, “It’s just a way of life.”
Frost addressed the crowd during the ceremony.
“Each day is a fresh start. Know that it’s always OK to try something new,” said Frost, who has attended Potential Development for 16 years.
Frost thanked several teachers and other staff for helping him pave his path to the stage where his diploma awaited him. In addition, being handed the award was among his greatest achievements, Frost said.
The Class of 2024 was a mixed group of students who have been part of Potential Development for multiple years and others who joined at the start of high school, said Potential Development’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Garchar.
Garchar also touted the 13 grads’ series of accomplishments, including that of Skye Dement, who wrote a children’s book, titled “Pirates of Anilandia,” which has been published on Amazon.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with all of them,” Garchar added.