Around midday on Monday, October 27, Tristan Carter completed his journey at the Knox Learning Center by earning his high school diploma. Staff and students marked the occasion with a "clap out" as Carter exited the building.
Carter, now 18, had been referred to the Learning Center from Mount Gilead High School nearly four years ago due to challenges with attendance, behavior, and academic performance. The Knox Learning Center is an alternative K-12 school operated by the Knox Educational Service Center (ESC) and serves students who have difficulty in traditional school settings.
"I had issues back then – attendance, behavior and not getting my work done," Carter said.
High school teacher Sean Sweeney noted that Carter's motivation grew over time, particularly as he focused on supporting his mother during her illness. "There were times when Tristan wasn’t keeping up his work and his attendance wasn’t good," Sweeney said. "But his mother is sick and he really cares about her. That got him motivated to find it inside himself to get things done to receive his diploma."
Reflecting on his experience at the Learning Center, Carter said, "There were ups and downs here, like everywhere. But there are teachers here that I like. It was a positive experience. I plan now to apply (to the Ohio Department of Corrections) to be a corrections officer."
Learning Center Director Joe Mazzari observed changes in Carter’s demeanor over time: "Tristan was an introvert when he arrived here. He wasn’t sure of himself and he kept to himself," Mazzari said. "His mother is the most important thing in his life. She had some tough years with Tristan but she kept him moving forward. She’s sick and Tristan wants to take care of her. He has turned his life around to do that." Mazzari added that Carter works at a grocery store and hopes to follow in his mother's footsteps by working in corrections.
Over the past three years, 27 students have earned diplomas through the Learning Center program; seven more are expected to graduate this year. Students receive diplomas from their home schools after meeting state proficiency requirements.
"Our graduates meet all of the state proficiency and testing requirements. Some classes require 80 percent achievement, a few others 90 percent," Mazzari explained. "We don’t just hand them diplomas. They earn them."
Dr. Timm Mackley, ESC Superintendent, commented on Carter’s growth: "Everyone at the Learning Center is proud of Tristan. Like many other students, he has been very successful at our school," Mackley said. "He was one of the top students in class and he was quick to volunteer when help was needed.
"I am confident that he will find further success in the years ahead."
Mazzari also pointed out that Carter may be the first Mount Gilead student to complete graduation requirements at the center: "We’re glad to have played a role in Tristan’s success but in the end it was his love for his mother and his inner motivation that made the difference," Mazzari said.
"He really has turned his life around."
