PACE Center for Girls Broward recently honored its Class of 2011 at a graduation held at the African American Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale.  Aggie Pappas, PACE Broward Executive Director, presented 21 graduates to family members, PACE supporters, and community partners in attendance.  Ms. Pappas thanked the graduates for giving PACE "the faith and trust to be a part of your amazing transformation from 'adolescent girls' into 'beautiful young women' of tomorrow."

 Aggie Pappas and Mark Snead with 2011 PACE Graduates.

Commencement speaker, Katrina Wright, Senior Vice President, Market Manager, Broward County, Corporate Social Responsibility, Bank of America, praised the graduates for successfully completing  both the PACE program and their high school course of studies.  Many of the 2011 graduates spoke about their journey.  PACE House Council President, Shermika, summed it up by saying "I never thought in a million years that I would be standing here today.  I finally made it!  I am now grateful for the sweat and tears that it took and I am thankful to all who helped me along the way."  We also heard from Tomoriya , PACE Alumna who recently earned a basketball scholarship.  She was invited to read the poem "Dreams," her vision on life.

Shermika, Laura and Jatoria get ready to take the stage.

Other speakers who joined in the celebration included Tracie Pough, Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Commander Richard Wierzbicki, Broward Sheriff's Office; Mark Snead, PACE Broward Board Chair; and Debra Farella, as a parent representative.
 

David Watkins, Principal of Widdon Rogers Education Center, and Jennifer Etheridge, PACE Academic Manager, presented the diplomas.  Most of the 2011 graduates are continuing their education at college or vocational programs offering certificates in specialized careers.  Four scholarship awards were announced. Two graduates received a two year Florida Prepaid STARS scholarship to Broward College from the Broward College Foundation, one graduate received the Sylvia K. Goldstein Education Fund Scholarship, and a 2010 graduate received a two year scholarship to Broward College from the Women's Executive Club in memory of Ronnie Karlin.

 David Watkins and Jennifer Etheridge award Keanna Hibbert her diploma.

Kimberlee and Samantha are all smiles after the ceremony.

PACE Center for Girls Broward is a nationally recognized 501(c) 3 prevention / intervention program offering year round counseling and academic services for girls ages 12-17 who are at-risk for juvenile delinquency, failing or dropping out of school, running away from home and experiencing difficulty at home. PACE Broward is part of a statewide organization and is one of 17 Centers within Florida.  Since opening its doors in 1992, it has helped over 1,700 girls find success in school, generate a positive relationship with their families and peers, and become productive members of our community.  

For more information, please call 954-561-6939 ext. 317