William Hall shared his poem at Edgewood's graduation:



This road I’m on with upsides and down sides

I still don’t quite understand the path I’m on

or what’s to come along the ride

but I do understand there is more to life

like accomplishing dreams

that’s my way of feeling alive

thanks to my family, friends and teachers and god

for giving me good allies

Without my resilience I wouldn't be here graduating today. Before coming to Pathways I remember having multiple teachers and staff members essentially tell me that I would never see graduation day. I felt like I was given up on because I was just another misunderstood kid. After countless IEP meetings, truancy officers coming to my house, hospital stays, and morning fights with my mom to get me out of bed, Pathways was finally presented to me as my last option to earn my diploma. I did not show up with the best attitude mainly because I was so used to the education system failing me. It took a lot of patience and understanding from the staff here for me to feel comfortable enough to let my guard down. I was not always the nicest or easiest student to deal with but no one gave up on me and that's all I ever really needed. Thank you, Pathways, for helping me understand my own capabilities and for helping me reach my goals. But most importantly thank you to myself. Myself for knowing my worth, never giving up, taking chances, and ultimately finding my resilience. ~Kayla Reid