Schools

REAL School Graduates Move Into Bright Futures

Founded partly on the idea that a school should be like a family, the REAL School once again graduated 100 percent of its seniors.

Editor's Note: We mistakenly identified Debbie's Cano eldest son as incarcerated. He is deceased. We have corrected the mistake and regret the error.

REAL School Director Willie Maryland couldn't help but get a little choked up while he talked about the Class of 2012.

"You come from different backgrounds and different situations, but we brought you together and loved you like family," he said during his opening remarks Friday during commencement. "And we're so, so proud of you, but there's a little pain here, too, because we're saying good-bye."

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But maybe not for long.

Stephanie Rudnicki, class of 2008, spoke to graduating students and their families about how moving to the REAL School in sixth grade was the best decision she'd made so far. Rudnicki said she is also a recent graduate, having just received her honors Bachelor of Fine Arts from Alverno College.

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"I was lost in the shuffle at another school in Racine Unified, but at the REAL School I was taken in with open arms," she said. "I didn't thrive right away, but I grew because the faculty and staff here don't just expect you grow in academics, but they have high expectations that you'll grow as a individuals."

For Debbie Cano, watching her son, Don Hill, walk across the street was a dream come true. Hill is the third of her six kids, but he was the first to graduate high school on time and to participate in commencement exercises. An older son is deceased and an older daughter dropped out but returned to school later to get her diploma.

"I'm so proud tonight," she said. "If it weren't for the teachers and the directors in this school, I honestly don't know that I'd be here, telling you this story. Every single adult in that building truly and deeply cares about the students as if they were one of their own. I really can't say enough about how they go above and beyond the call of duty for those kids."

For Valedictorian Evan Clark, he wanted the faculty and staff of the REAL School to know how very much they're appreciated.

"We're grateful for the opportunities to be creative and individuals," he said. "When one you fall, every member of the staff is there to pick you up, dust you off, and get you back on track."

For Salutatorian Jessica Larsen, the best lesson she'll carry with her from the REAL School is how to give.

"You gave us all a family here," she stated. "I'm grateful that I learned how to give without expecting anything in return."

The Class of 2012 numbered only 29, but they managed to pull in $72,800 in scholarships. As listed on the Racine Unified School District website, here is the list:

  • John Aceto Memorial PTA Council Scholarship: Adam Radwill
  • Walter Curtis Palmer Scholarship: Amy Peterson
  • Marquette Ignatius Academic Distinction Scholarship: Ian Lawrence
  • Marquette University Magis Award: Jasmine Hickman
  • Walter Curtis Palmer Scholarship: Amy Peterson
  • Perkins Family Scholarship: Taylor Olson
  • WI Academic Excellence Scholarship: Evan Clark


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