Simon Sustainability Report 2020-2021

SYFSUCCESSSTORY

Rhiannon Mohr started at the Simon Youth Academy with fewer than one year’s worth of credits, and in less than one year had successfully completed all of the credits required to graduate. “Before I was in the academy I was in a very depressed mental state. I didn’t feel like I had a purpose (in) life,” Mohr said. “Being at the academy changed my perspective completely. I realized I can go somewhere in life; I do have a purpose.” When starting at the academy, Mohr was motivated by the school environment and by the teachers there, including Lesleigh Groce, the academy’s student services coordinator, to complete a rigor- ous schedule of coursework in order to make up for lost time. “I feel like I adjusted immediately,” Mohr said of the academy. “The atmosphere was incredible; I can’t even describe it. I felt wel- comed by everyone. Everyone encouraged me. I struggled at the beginning setting up electives, and if not for Mrs. Groce I wouldn’t have graduated. The Academy helped me identify my strengths and realize I could do anything if I desired to succeed.”. Upon graduating, Rhiannon earned a renewable four-year scholar- ship from SYF, valued at up to $32,000. Rhiannon enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College to begin her post secondary education. After her first year, Rhiannon made the Dean’s List and Honor Roll—something she has maintained since then. Additionally, she has been inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, which is the country’s largest leadership honor society. Rhiannon completed her Associate’s Degree from Ivy Tech in May 2021 and will be enrolling at IUPUI in the Fall of 2021 to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Law.

I could not imagine what my life would be like or where I would be had I not gone to the Academy; it literally has saved my life. Rhiannon Mohr Graduate from Simon Youth Clark-Pleasant Academy in Whiteland, IN, class of 2019. “ ”

Would you like to support SYF, please click here. Click here to view the latest SYF impact report.

SIMON SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020-2021 | 27 I I I I |