BECKLEY, W.Va. – More than 1,000 rising 9th-grade students from around the area gathered in Beckley today for the Promise to Graduate event.
Sponsored by GEAR UP Southern West Virginia, the Class of 2028from Mercer, Summers, Raleigh and Wyoming counties heard renowned educator and motivational speaker Dr. Adolph Brown.
Brown’s message focused on the importance of resilience, the power of education and the commitment required to overcome adversity and succeed in life.
Jessica Lilly, director of the Concord University-based GEARUP program, said the event is a critical part of the group’s efforts to encourage9th-grade students to stay focused on their educational goals and to underscore the importance of graduating high school.
This event not only celebrates the commitment of these young students but also empowers them with the tools and inspiration needed to navigate the challenges they may face on their journey to graduation, Lilly said.
GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs and is part of a national grant program funded through the U.S. Dept of Education. The program is helping the classes of 2028 and 2029in Mercer, Monroe, Summers, Raleigh and Wyoming counties to ensure high school graduation.
The event was held at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center.
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