Day: July 23, 2026

Achievement First celebrated a major milestone in June as 11 students became the first graduates of its Empower high school program, a specialized initiative designed to support students with the most significant and complex learning needs.

The students were honored during the network’s Senior Banquet, which brought together families, teachers, school leaders, founders, and staff to celebrate the Class of 2026 and the culmination of years of hard work.  

The Empower Program provides individualized academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary support while still ensuring students remain fully engaged in school life, including athletics, clubs, electives, internships, and other opportunities. 

“Empower is about creating opportunities, building confidence, and ensuring every student is prepared for their next chapter,” said Sonia Castleberry, Director of the Empower Program. “We were honored to recognize our graduating seniors and the village of supporters who have walked alongside them throughout their journey.”

The banquet included student recognition, awards, speeches, and a slideshow highlighting the graduates’ journeys from elementary school through high school. As photos flashed across the screen, families laughed, pointed out familiar faces, and reflected on how far the students had come.

For Castleberry, the celebration carried special meaning.

When Achievement First launched the Empower high school program four years ago, she joined as one of its founding teachers. This year, in her first year as director, she watched the program’s inaugural class cross the finish line.

The program’s ultimate goal extends beyond graduation.

“Our goal is to help students make sure they’re able to access learning meaningfully and support them with postsecondary pathways,” Castleberry said. “We’re not just saying, ‘Graduation, yay.’ We’re asking, ‘What’s next?”

That focus on creating choice-filled futures is especially important given the challenges students with disabilities often face nationwide. Research shows that students with disabilities graduate at lower rates than their peers and frequently encounter additional barriers to employment and postsecondary opportunities. Empower was designed to help change those outcomes by providing intentional preparation for life after high school.

For the 11 seniors honored at this year’s banquet, those supports helped open doors to a wide range of next steps and possibilities.

One of those graduates is Kalel Saunderson, who earlier this year celebrated his acceptance to the School of Visual Arts, where he plans to pursue his passion for digital art. Reflecting on his journey, he offered some words of wisdom for future students.  

“Never give up on your hobbies,” Kalel says. “Try other ventures like music and writing. They can influence you in ways you don’t expect.”

Fritzline Victor, a social worker who has worked closely with Empower students throughout their high school journeys, said the graduates’ success reflects the power of having a strong support system.

“When you have someone who really believes in you and pushes you, it makes you see something in yourself that maybe you didn’t see before,” Victor said.

As the evening came to a close, the room was filled with optimism for what lies ahead.

The graduates left with diplomas, memories, and plans for the future. They also left a lasting legacy, helping establish a program that will continue to create opportunities for students for years to come.