It’s almost time for the Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (AoH) Class of 2026 to cross the stage!
On Thursday, June 11, graduating adults who’ve completed our high school and workforce training pathways will celebrate their achievements with fellow learners, alumni, staff, friends, and family.
The 2025-2026 school year brought significant obstacles. From the government shutdown to severe winter weather that disrupted valuable instruction, AoH high school learners pressed forward through grit, resolve, and commitment to reach their educational goals, seize post-secondary opportunities, and drive economic mobility.
We are extremely proud of the AoH Class of 2026. Join us in recognizing and celebrating a few of our 49 high school graduates below:
Indya McManus
Severe depression and fear of not graduating on time led Indya McManus to leave high school in 2013. While she went on later to earn her high school diploma through an alternate program, she later found out the program had lost its accreditation, making her diploma invalid.
As she searched for another program, AoH’s GED courses would be recommended to her. She enrolled in 2022, restarting her high school diploma journey. Throughout the four years, Indya showed resilience, motivated by the post-secondary educational and career opportunities a high school diploma would provide. Her determination also reflected that when she puts her mind to something, she can make it happen.
“By completing my GED, it showed me how consistent I am; how strong I am, and how I am able to power through a lot of different things.”
After graduation, Indya will continue her personal and professional development through AoH’s alumni program, Hope Forward. She also plans on enrolling at the University of the District of Columbia to study Chemistry and Business Management/Marketing.
Nathaniel Smith
Nathaniel Smith returned to the AoH National External Diploma Program (NEDP) with a clear purpose—to open the door to better employment opportunities with a high school diploma and to prove to himself that he could achieve this goal. Throughout his journey, he stayed focused on what mattered most to him: securing a better future for himself and his family.
Like many AoH learners, Nathaniel faced significant challenges, sharing that balancing life and everything it brought his way was not easy. Despite this, he persevered with determination and resilience. His biggest motivation was himself and his children; a sense of purpose kept him moving forward when things became difficult.
“Don’t give up on yourself. It might get hard sometimes, but don’t quit what you’ve started. Reach for your goals and your dreams.”
Nathaniel is proud of his accomplishment and excited about the next steps. With his diploma in hand, he plans to explore career opportunities in HVAC or Information Technology (IT).
Margene Washington-Azeez
Margene was heartbroken when she found out from an employer that her high school diploma was invalid. Yet, she didn’t let it set her back.
Immediately, she enrolled in AoH’s high school pathways and got to work. She rigorously took the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) multiple times to earn the scores needed to enter NEDP, missing the requirement by a few points each time.
Another challenge didn’t discourage her. Instead, she went back to her original high school for advice. There, she learned she had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for learning and testing accommodations.
Once her IEP transferred to AoH, her test anxiety dropped, and scores rose. She tested into the NEDP program by 2025 and completed her portfolio requirements to earn a high school diploma in 39 days. When Margene got word that she had graduated from NEDP, she fell to the floor, crying. She overcame all her roadblocks and could do anything she set her mind to.
“It showed me the level of tolerance I have for myself, the patience, the determination, things I had lost along the way up until now.”
Margene is applying that newfound confidence to advancing her career. Currently a home care aide, she plans to progress in the healthcare field by enrolling in AoH’s Phlebotomy Technician Training (PTT) and Nurse Aid Training (NAT) programs. Though her prior experience and time as an aide cover many skills taught in both, Margene says certifications, alongside a high school diploma, will help her learn more and earn a higher income.
Ze’Murie Clark
Ze’Murie Clark enrolled in AoH’s GED program to make his family, especially his grandmother and mother, proud. Motivated by his mother, he is deeply family-oriented and focused on building a strong foundation for his future. He defines success as “the product of failure,” reflecting a thoughtful and determined mindset.
This mindset proved true after completing two of the most challenging GED exams, mathematics and language arts, on the same day. He also passed the exams at age 18, making him one of the youngest graduates in the Class of 2026.
With his high school diploma, Ze’Murie plans to enroll in the Fire Academy to prepare for a career in firefighting.
Conclusion
Each year, the AoH graduating class demonstrates the power of grit, resilience, and determination, and how these qualities can inspire positive change for themselves and their families.
To learn more about the overall impact of AoH, read HERE