NILES — Students from three different Niles Community Schools programs became graduates Wednesday at Michiana Christian Embassy on E. Main Street.

NCS’s adult education program, W-A-Y program and Cedar Lane Alternative Education asked 43 students to move their tassels from the right side of their caps to the left, signifying graduation, around 8 p.m. The crowd in attendance, nearly filling the church’s seating, stood, clapped and whistled.

The graduates all finished their high school educations through non-traditional education programs. While Cedar Lane is typically for at-risk students, the W-A-Y program offers largely online education and the adult education program allows anyone 16 and older to receive a GED or high school diploma.

“Tonight, we celebrate the accomplishments of some of the most determined students in our community,” said John Fonash, principal of Cedar Lane, during the ceremony’s opening statements. “You guys have overcome difficult obstacles on the path to earning your diploma or GED, and for that, we are so very proud for you.”

Fonash said that the road to the day of commencement was not easy for most of the students sitting in front him, making the evening event even more special. He thanked family and friends for supporting the students on their journey.

Finding support and overcoming adversity became two common themes during the night’s speeches.

Superintendent of Niles Community Schools, Dan Applegate, nearly cried when he likened the soon-to-be graduates’ journey to a fantasy story.

“Realize that there are many more quests out there for you, more sunsets for you to ride off into,” he said. “If the main character, you, continues to face adversity, I can be sure that you will continue to lean on the right people, continue to be resilient, and you will conquer whatever comes next.”

School board president Leigh Jones said the temperament that the graduating NCS students took on everyday despite adversity lead to their success.

“Success is not an image. It’s not a lifestyle,” she said. “It’s an attitude.”

Ric Pawloski —  a part-time worker at employment servicers Gateway to Greatness and Jobs for Life — was the guest speaker of the night. He highlighted four items that lead to success: education, hard work, relationships and choices.

Pawloski had to take non-traditional approach to life, just like many of the graduates before him. He left college after one year, yet eventually came to run a multi-million-dollar business. When the business was sold and shut down, Pawloski decided to go back to college at the age of 59 to better himself.

The student speaker of the evening was Madison Bunch, a graduating senior of Cedar Lane. Principal John Fonash noted that through hard work, Bunch was able to obtain the remaining credits she needed to graduate within 10 months of being at Cedar Lane and taking online courses.

Bunch said she was inspired to get her degree after becoming inspired by those around her who she knew were once in as dark a place as she was.

“Be the change, for yourself and those around you,” she said. “Don’t be shy of showing the rawness of your journey. Showing people where you come from, and where you are today, may give them hope they have been craving.”

Bunch said college was never an objective during her first years of high school. Now, after graduating, she plans to attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College to become a dental hygienist.

After all speakers concluded, NCS staff presented a number of awards to members of the Class of 2019. Then, some members of the class came up to the podium with carnations in hand to dedicate the flower to the people who inspired them. Spouses, friends, grandmas, brothers and Cedar Lane staff were all mentioned.

Cedar Lane graduating senior, Toyanna Wade, then announced the names of each of her fellow graduates, who walked down the church’s center stage, shaking hands with NCS officials and faculty.

The last public words of the evening came from an audience member as Wade walked down an aisle with her peers toward the church lobby.

“You’re a boss leader and a champion!” shouted Wade’s supporter.