Stanley Cezalien, a Haitian immigrant and recent graduate, told an ABC-TV interviewer that Sarasota Acceleration Academies helped him learn English, power through to his high school diploma and lay the groundwork for joining the U.S. military and later going to college to study business.
“Thanks for Acceleration Academy and everything they did for me,” Stanley told Renee James Gilbert, host of the Empowering Voices program on the ABC-TV station covering Sarasota and Manatee counties in Florida. “I was really amazed.”
Watch the full interview here.
Stanley appeared on the program with Fred Thomas, SAA’s social studies content coach and an educator who takes pride in helping young learners not only while they are enrolled at SAA but also as they make plans for college and career paths after graduation.
Gilbert noted that Acceleration Academies educators are called “coaches” rather than teachers, and Coach Thomas explained that in working with intelligent young adults he and his colleagues work at motivating them as much as instilling academic knowledge.
“We believe in them and don’t let them give up,” said Thomas. He said he had never met a harder worker than Stanley. “Stanley would be team captain because of his effort and attitude.”
Remarking that Stanley had moved through his coursework at a brisk pace, Gilbert said, “You got through the Acceleration Academies pretty quickly. I guess it’s true to its name!”
Stanley smiled, shy but beaming with quiet pride. “I just want to make my mom proud.”
