Auldern Academy
Siler City, NC

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Auldern Academy
Graduates Fourteenth Class

On May 31, 2014, twelve young women were graduated from Auldern Academy, a therapeutic boarding school in Siler City, NC. This was the fourteenth class to graduate from Auldern. Head of School, Angie Fusco, told the graduates, their parents, grandparents and friends, as well as the entire school community, that this class personified the qualities of perseverance and resilience; as many of the graduates had overcome very harrowing personal and family circumstances. Additionally, ten of the graduates are college bound; keeping up the Auldern tradition of having nearly 100% of their graduates being accepted to and attending college.

Faculty presented student awards for therapeutic work, student life and community work as well as the annual Outstanding Artist Award, and the Student of the Year Award. Valedictorian, Katy M., who is headed to Mary Washington University in the fall, spoke briefly to her graduating classmates and undergraduate students - emphasizing that life's twists and turns may take all of us by surprise; nonetheless, we are all capable of accomplishing great things in life.

Dr. Judi Bessette, a therapeutic/educational consultant from Wisconsin and a good friend of the school, gave the keynote address. In her remarks about positive psychology, she stressed the importance of maintaining an attitude of gratitude and encouraged each graduate to write regularly in a gratitude journal.

The night before, the graduates and their families enjoyed a celebratory dinner at the Preston Wood Country Club. Faculty members, chosen by the students, paid tribute to each graduate with a speech recounting their journey and highlighting their accomplishments at Auldern. A lunch reception followed the graduation ceremony that was held at the Denise Wicker Civic Center in Sanford, North Carolina.

Auldern Academy is a therapeutic boarding school in North Carolina serving young women grades 8-12. Auldern is owned and operated by Sequel Youth and Family Services, www.sequelyouthservices.com.