Story and photos
By CALEB H. SWALLOWS
More than 50 business owners and community members attended the grand opening ceremony Friday for the new alternative education facility which Goodwill will open this week.
The Excel Center will allow adults above the age of 21 to gain a high school education, something not possible prior to a 2016 bill by the Missouri legislature. The school begins its first semester this Wednesday.
The grand opening was kicked off by Goodwill CEO David Kutchback, who welcomed everyone in attendance.
"With it already being less than a year into the production of making these Excel Centers, we already have many students enrolled to start this Wednesday." Kutchback said. "We currently have 175 in Poplar Bluff, 185 in Springfield and 350 students in St. Louis."
Kutchback explained the speed of making these facilities would not have been possible without local help. Local organizations were vital to the progression of the project, he said.
"The Poplar Bluff community has been so great in making this project happen so quickly and smoothly." Kutchback said. "Our partners, like (Three) Rivers College, have made it possible to not just help these students obtain a high school diploma but gain a certification in different areas of work."
After Kutchback opened the ceremony, he welcomed Dr. Scott Dill, superintendent of the Poplar Bluff schools.
"As the process unfolded, many people in the area asked if we were scared of how this program would happen." Dill said. "I tell them that I am not scared but excited. This program will help so many people gain high school diplomas and have so many opportunities to grow; that is enough to be extremely excited about."
Dr. Justin Hoggard, dean of instruction, emphasized the purpose of the Excel Center.
"This is another opportunity for a second chance." Hoggard said. "For those who have had different circumstances throughout their lives that kept them from getting a high school diploma, this will help them gain that education they missed and help them get jobs that weren't possible before. We are ready to make this happen."
Missouri Speaker of the House Todd Richardson expressed his excitement for this program, and seeing the legislation that made this possible.
"We are now here and it is time to see the legislation work and see lives changed for the better," he said.
Rep. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit) spoke of the stories and circumstances of adult students coming back to obtain their high school diploma. He said this opportunity will allow many in this community to change their lives, both for themselves and their families. People with children will be able to attend this program with access to drop-in daycares provided in the Excel Center, he said.
"I am so excited to get into this program and get started," said enrolled student Jennifer Davis of Ellsinore. "I'm doing this for my children. I want them to be excited about education and see how getting an education, furthering your education, and furthering your career can be so good for yourself and your family."
Vice President of Programs Mark Arens spoke about the meaningfulness of this program to the community. He explained this will help in the war against poverty, and allow those who have aspired to other careers can now take a step toward achieving those dreams.
"I dropped out of school when I was in high school because I became pregnant," enrolled student Allysa Wilkerson of Poplar Bluff said. "I now have five children, and one of them is old enough to start saying she doesn't want to go to school because mommy didn't. I want to show them education is important. Also, I've always really wanted to be a nurse. Since this program is starting, I now have the opportunity to move on to become a registered nurse after I finish here."
Hutchback continued the ceremony by introducing the staff and explaining the process they took to find the best people for the job.
"About 1,500 applications came in to be apart of the Excel Center," Hutchback said. "We needed solid teachers and mentors for those students and I think we found the best to offer. We will have 35 staff members at the Poplar Bluff location ranging from the director, teachers, daycare teachers and other employees."
To end the grand opening, the director of the facility finished with the closing words.
"I was retired when I saw this Excel Center was starting up. Retirement became not so important when I learned more about the purpose of the program," Director Blane Keel said. "We want this program to not just be a school, but to be a place of growth and family. When you enter this place, you will become our family and we will fight for your success."
Those interested in applying for classes can call 314-982-8803 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.