Some of Briggs' 30 graduates

Photo Credit: Joan Gaylord

Roxi Reyes, left, and Abbi Lebron celebrate together.

Photo Credit: Joan Gaylord

Roxi Reyes helps Mike Monick with his mortarboard.

Photo Credit: Joan Gaylord

Vanessa Restrepo gets ready for the processional.

Photo Credit: Joan Gaylord

Scott Salters, left, with Vincent Smith

Photo Credit: Joan Gaylord

Though they took an alternate path, students of Briggs High School enjoyed all the traditional pomp, circumstance and joy of graduation. They gathered with their families and friends at Norwalk Community College Wednesday evening to celebrate their accomplishments and spur one another to achieve even more.

"Graduation wasn't easy for these kids for a variety of reasons," said Principal Alaine Lane. "But this class left their drama at the curb and moved forward. Everyone turned themselves around."

Lane never stopped smiling as she walked among the students. Lane has described the alternative high school as "Norwalk's magnet school for kids who want a second chance." Their graduation showed they made the most of that chance. Of the 30 graduates, 12 already have college credits from NCC. Of those who are going directly to work, three have completed homemaker companion certificates and two earned veterinary tech certificates, said Lane.

After trading baseball caps for mortarboards and lining up in something that sort of resembled a straight line, the students marched into the NCC Theater to an ear-splitting ovation. Friends and families cheered. Several of the parents cried. Camera flashes brightened the auditorium. Settled on stage, the graduates received awards and scholarships along with diplomas.

"I'm gonna miss Briggs, the teachers, my friends," said Javon Smith, a smile spreading across his face. "But I start at NCC in the fall."