It’s hard to choose a favorite time of year at WMCAT, but spring rises to the top. It’s graduation season, and we take every opportunity to celebrate our students’ journeys.
There’s nothing quite like it. The confidence of high school seniors proudly displaying work at their final Teen Arts + Tech Program exhibition; the passion of young adults announcing their next steps toward college or career pathways identified through Step Year; the pure joy of adults walking across the stage in cap and gown toward a new career, celebrated at full volume by an audience of friends, family, and community.
And every year at these celebrations, we repeat to students what we’ve told them throughout their time at WMCAT: you got this!
While this spring is different in so many ways – including the cancellation of graduation events – the significance of this milestone for our students isn’t diminished. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to one of this year’s graduates and share how you can help us celebrate all of our WMCAT grads.
Tyler’s Next Step
Tyler is off to college this fall! A graduate of Step Year at WMCAT, Tyler was recently accepted into Grand Rapids Community College’s Welding Technology program. “I’m extremely proud of Tyler for his perseverance,” said Brandy Arnold, Step Year program manager. A former Teen Arts + Tech student, Tyler stayed in touch with WMCAT after high school and reached out when he needed support; this led him to Step Year and a plan for his future. You got this, Tyler
Share a Message with our Grads: You Got This!
We need your help to make this year’s graduation a memorable send-off for students like Tyler, who are taking next steps to college and career. Celebrate WMCAT grads with a personal “You Got This” message. Here’s how.
Need some inspiration? Check out Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist’s “You Got This!” video.
Thank you for celebrating our students in new ways this year. Through your support and friendship, you join the community of voices encouraging “you got this!” on the journey to opportunity.
With gratitude,
Daniel Williams
President + CEO
West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology
