At Cunningham, we love sharing stories of hope and positive outcomes, moments when hard work, compassion and consistency begin to shine through in the lives of our youth. But we also know that these successes don’t happen overnight. Behind every milestone is a journey filled with challenges, setbacks and countless moments of patience and persistence from our staff and families.
Two of our CIRCLE Academy Urbana students, in very different places academically, have shown just how powerful the journey can be.
Benny*, now in his second year in our early elementary classroom, arrived struggling with emotional regulation, academic delays, and frequent physical aggression—making learning difficult. Last fall alone, he had 21 significant behavior reports. This year tells a very different story: only three significant events, improved grades, better focus, and positive responses to one-on-one support.
“Even more beautiful is the change in Benny’s demeanor,” CIRCLE Academy Director of Education Mark McCusker said. “He has blossomed into a kind, gentle and eager learner. Today, Benny is a joy to have in the classroom.”
Nate* had a tough start when he moved into the high school pod. He frequently left the classroom without permission, struggled to stay engaged and spent many hours unable to participate in learning. But this year, he has made an incredible turnaround. He is working at the top of his class and completing high school–level coursework with pride. He is learning to manage his emotions, process tough situations and stay focused on his goals.
“If this progress continues, we hope to begin transitioning Nate back to his home district for one or two classes next semester which is something that once felt so out of reach,” McCusker said.
Benny and Nate show us that progress isn’t always quick or easy, but it is possible. It takes patience, belief and a community of support willing to walk through both the hard days and the hopeful ones.
*names have been changed and photos chosen to protect privacy