Over 90 Passport Academy Students Walked Across the Stage for Spring 2025 Graduation

“There will be trials and tribulations, but you will get through them —you will come out on the other side.” 

“Be yourself. Forget what everyone else thinks. It doesn’t matter what other people think about you.” 

Jamal Woodson, General Manager at WAMO 100.1, Director of SLAAM Basketball and Passport Academy Charter School graduate, shared personal stories, words of advice and enthusiastic encouragement throughout this year’s graduation ceremony. Also known as “The Giveback King” for his ongoing commitment ​ to PACS and his wider community, Woodson particularly emphasized the importance for young people to cultivate resiliency as they move through their lives.

“If you go through something —no matter how big or small—I want you to know there is another side, and you will get through it,” said Woodson. “Many of you know this already.”

PACS works with high school students who have previously struggled in other learning environments to create an individualized plan for high school and postgraduation success, whether that means college, a vocational program or a career path. These plans allow flexible schedules, personalized learning approaches, and support from Pennsylvania-certified teachers. Graduates from this spring’s class are moving into a wide variety of areas, including the National Guard, cosmetology school, welding and ultrasound technology. ​ Numerous students are pursuing higher education at colleges and universities, including Liberty University, Robert Morris University, the University of Pittsburgh and Community College of Allegheny County. 

“Passport Academy Charter School helped me achieve my goal of graduating high school, even with how hard and impossible it seemed at times,”said Alex, one graduating senior. “Thanks to the support of the staff and teachers who pushed me to grow and be my best self, something that I've needed for a long time. I couldn't be luckier to have attended Passport Academy Charter School.”

Industrial Arts Workshop, Bloomfield Garfield Corporation, A’s Vision, Cafe Momentum, Schools That Can and Carnegie Robotics each sponsored a Community Impact Award for graduating seniors. The award winners each excelled in completing the senior project experience and demonstrated a higher level of understanding for one of the community impact components, which include empowerment, entrepreneurship, career-readiness, post-secondary readiness and leadership. 

In addition to the Community Impact Awards, two graduates received Student of the Year Awards. Davon Porch received the morning session award for modeling excellent student behavior, taking part in the welding program and passing college courses at the Community College of Allegheny County. Deon Starkey, the afternoon session recipient, continuously lifted the spirits of his classmates and staff, and embodied what it means to be a proud PACS student.

“As the principal of Passport Academy, I am proud to celebrate all of our graduates,” said Joe Oliphant, principal of PACS. I’ve made it my goal to learn each of their stories over the course of their time here, and they’ve done something truly impressive—something they didn’t always think they could do. They’ve walked across the stage. It’s a major achievement.”