Former Henry County Schools student Bryce Mullins graduated from Locust Grove High School in May.

Mullins shared that it was a day he did not believe he would ever get to experience due to multiple roadblocks along his educational journey.

Mullins was a freshman attending Locust Grove High School when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and students transitioned to remote learning. Due to the drastic change in his learning environment, he experienced a significant setback and was not able to keep up with his classes from home.

“I wasn’t motivated to learn,” said Mullins. “I needed to be in a classroom. If I’m not in a learning environment, am I going to learn?”

When he returned to in-person learning at Locust Grove High School following COVID, he was already behind on the credits needed to remain on track with his graduating class. Then, he hit another roadblock.

Mullins stated that he was moved to EXCEL Academy due to a “mistake,” resulting in disciplinary action. According to the Henry County Schools website, students are placed in this program when they are “removed from their traditional school for disciplinary reasons. “

When Mullins arrived at EXCEL Academy, he recalled being “distraught” and discouraged, facing the reality that he might not meet the same milestones as his classmates to allow him to graduate on time.

Mullins said Velma Thompson, EXCEL Academy’s graduation coach, provided the support and guidance he needed to motivate himself to succeed despite his circumstances.

“She said, ‘We’re going to do what we have to do to get you where you need to be,’ and I believed it,” said Mullins. 

With the encouragement of his teacher, he found the motivation to make the best of his circumstances.

“I’ll never forget Ms. Thompson. She wasn’t just a teacher; she was a person you could come talk to,” said Mullins. “She was like a friend, but she put in that divider to let you know, ‘I’m still your teacher, but you can come talk to me.’ It was a challenge, but I wouldn’t have made it if I hadn’t had Ms. Thompson.”

Despite the challenges he faced along the way, Mullins believes his experiences shaped him into the person he is today.

“I don’t want to do it again, but I’m glad I went to EXCEL. It made me a stronger person,” said Mullins. “Trouble doesn’t last always. Nothing is impossible. You can do anything you put your mind to. Support is a big part of it, but even if you have the support, you won’t be able to take advantage of that support if you don’t believe in yourself first.”

Thompson stated that Mullins’ story is inspired and resilient, proving that if you set your mind to a task, you will ultimately succeed.

“He came to us and did not have enough credits to graduate on time, but he left on track to graduate,” said Thompson. “He was a good student and had a really good spirit.”

Thompson said that Mullins and his story are one she will cherish for a lifetime: “You always have that one student who leaves an everlasting impression.”

Mullins plans to attend college and pursue a criminal justice degree and a law enforcement career. He hopes to be an encouraging and motivating voice for those going through challenging times. “I really think I have a bright future ahead of me,” said Mullins.

By Erin Lopez