Simon Youth Academy Holds 2026 Graduation Ceremony at BHS

The Simon Youth Academy of Burlington held its Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday, June 9th. The event celebrated the academic success and personal growth of 10 graduating seniors, eight of whom were present for the ceremony.



Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, primarily funded by Simon Property Group, that is committed to helping students graduate. SYF believes that all youth, no matter their personal circumstances, should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education.

BPS Director of Alternative Education and Academy Leader Jill Graham and Spanish translator, Oscar Quintana, welcomed attendees, emphasizing the resilience and perseverance of students who navigated unique and challenging paths to graduation. Superintendent Dr. Eric Conti and other school officials were recognized for their support of the program, which serves students for whom traditional high school was not a fit.

Dr. Conti in turn thanked the Simon team at the Burlington Mall for investing in the Burlington community's youth, saying "thank you for proving that business can have a powerful, life-changing heart". Several teachers from the program then gave personalized speeches for individual graduates, highlighting their character and achievements.



Burlington Mall General Manager and BACC Director Melisa Wicker then addressed the graduates:

"On behalf of Simon Youth Foundation, we congratulate all graduates here today. As graduates, you join approximately 1,800 other students graduating from SYF Academics this spring. Your spring class of 2025-2026 becomes part of the legacy of over 33,000 students who have graduated from Simon Youth Academies since 1998. As you already know, you are part of many communities- your school, your neighborhood, and your organizations. However, you are also now part of the SYF Alumni Community. You are all students who have persevered through challenges and have overcome them. You are to be commended. Over the past 28 years, SYF has partnered with school districts like yours to provide support in a variety of ways to help you reach this great accomplishment of graduation."

The ceremony wrapped up with a presentation from Lauren Dalis, Burlington Mall Director of Marketing & Business Development, of two Simon Youth Scholarships to students from the Academy. The awardees were: 

• Isabella Piazza - received a two-year, $5,000 scholarship

• Haley Marshall received a four-year, $18,000 scholarship