The David School, which provides a comprehensive educational program for Appalachian high school dropouts and at-risk youth who have limited financial resources, but possess the potential to succeed in a non-traditional setting, has announced that they will be bringing former professional wrestler and motivational speaker Jeff Bearden to give their commencement speech.  Commencement will celebrate not only the graduation of the senior class, but, also, a year of accomplishments for the entire academic body, including: a new outdoor classroom, greenhouse, and chicken coop, as well as significantly increasing the funds brought in through the school’s hot sauce and spice rack sales, which helps to fund the Inch-by-Inch Program.

Rebecca Bodish, the interim principal of The David School, says, “We are so proud of the accomplishments our students have made this year.  We made the announcement of Jeff’s coming to our school to students about a month ago, and they are very excited.   Some still don’t believe that he is coming.  David is a small town of approximately 400, so Jeff’s coming is a pretty big deal to the school and the entire community.”

Bearden says, “The work that The David School does is truly inspirational.  The dedication of the staff and the unique learning environment and mission immediately impressed me when I first spoke with Ms. Bodish. It is truly an honor to be invited to speak to their graduating Class of 2016.”  He adds, “I just want to let these graduates know that there is an amazing world out there, and they are now becoming a part of it. There will be a lot of life lessons to be learned, some good and some bad. If they trust and believe in themselves, they will persevere through whatever comes their way.”

The students partnered with Job Corps during the year, so, later this summer, they will also receive a vocational certificate in one of the following areas: culinary, office administration, facilities management, security, carpentry, or electricity.