Put Your Party Hats On – We’re Celebrating Graduation!

On Saturday, June 18, NAZ celebrated our Family Academy and high school graduates for completing their respective educational achievements. Families from Minneapolis’ North side descended on the Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park for an afternoon of recognition, food, fun, and music. NAZ staff, Alicia Smiley, lead the decorating of the venue beautifully with a colorful tropical island theme. Families had their faces drawn by professional caricature artists and scholars decorated their arms with spray-on tattoos. The evening finished with a concert with the great J.D. Steele and his band. 

This year, Family Academy has graduated more parents and scholars through our classes than ever in NAZ’s history. The graduation ceremony highlights included the video of a NAZ Patrick Henry graduate, Marvion, whose moving story showed perseverance through his childhood challenges to academic success. Special guests Kelly and Elijah Jackson shared their story of both obtaining their associate’s degrees at the same time from St. Paul College, inspiring their own children to pursue their dreams through higher education. Then the families walked the stage, receiving a medal or certificate, as High School graduates took home a new laptop. 

We also recognize an outstanding team of young men from Patrick Henry, who helped to set up and take down the stage and backdrops and took photographs of the event.

Thanks to all who made this day a success!

Video Credit: Lucas Wells of Wells Film + Photo