Teacher Felix Fornino's Story of a Graduation at SIATech Phoenix
On a warm and comfortable June 18, as SIATech Phoenix Principal Eric Pawlak stepped up to the podium, the electric excitement was palpable. He looked out upon a gymnasium overflowing with parents, friends, and PHJC staff members — all anxiously awaiting the arrival of the largest graduating class in Phoenix SIATech history: 54 students. It was a special night, one that all of the graduates will remember for the rest of their lives.
The graduates had all worked extremely hard to get to this day; they felt enormous pride as they walked through the doors and saw the audience. It was like an All-Star game with all of the flashes going off, clapping, and smiles all around. The SIATech staff beamed with the achievement of our students. The last few weeks had been hectic, and some students had to work extra hard to reach this day. Creative tech teacher Kimby Schaller, with the assistance of math teacher Matt Woods, had put in long hours in the prior weeks to ensure that the students made it to graduation.
Three students gave speeches: Mirwais Yaqoobi, Christina Chavez, and Louis Salazar. They told their personal stories and journeys that led them to Phoenix Job Corps and to SIATech. Everyone was intent on listening to the powerful narratives, each bringing tears to the eyes of the other students, parents, and teachers.
But the speech given by Marwais Yaqoobi, an immigrant from Afghanistan, was particularly moving. He has seen more than his share of the ugly side of the headlines we only read about. He summed up what SIATech means to him and to our students:
“This school has been built with hard work. Students should see this hard work and appreciate every second of SIATech. Today is my last day here at SIATech; I am both happy and very sad. I am happy because SIATech has given me a small key to start opening the doors of my future. With the help of this little key, I can even find the bigger doors and have a brighter future. However, I am sad because I will get separated from the best teachers who have helped me to start walking and moving forward to find a beautiful life in the future.” – Mirwais Yaqoobi
Way to go SIATech Phoenix teachers and administrators! Congratulations SIATech graduates!
Learn more about SIATech Phoenix. Special thanks to Felix Fornino, SIATech teacher and Phoenix Job Corps Center's 2008 Mentor of the Year, for sharing this wonderful story of his school's graduation.
