GRADUATES SPEAK


Also, please visit the following links for more graduation features:
Senior Breakfast
Graduation
Our graduates are students who may not have received a high school diploma had they not had the opportunity to attend IHS. We believe that the graduates' parting messages convey powerful statements about our school and the effect it has had on their lives. Below is a sampling of those messages.

"Independence taught me some very good skills such as time management and how to be effective at independennt study....This was the best atmosphere in a learning environment that I have ever experienced!"
Kaitlyn Suckow, 11/07/07
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"Independence High was a great option for me to take. Here in Independence I was actually able to do my school work and go to work after school. I am now graduating 3 months early because I was able to do my work in a fast pace."
Daniel Munoz, 02/15/08
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"With the help of Independence high School's Teen Parent Program I was able to graduate. Mrs. Saida and Ms. Betsy Keith were a lot of help. They took good care of my daughter while I was in class. My teachers, Mrs. Burke and Mrs. Carter motivated me to excel, because they taught me to believe in myself. Thank you!"
Shaurice Allen, 5/14/07

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"My decision to move to Independence was probably the best decision of my high school career. The teachers are supportive and I could always count on them to be willing to sit down and explain things to me..."
Kristine Griffin, 4/10/07
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"Thank you Independence! I dropped out of school a year ago and had given up on school. My decision to work full-time did not pay because many of the jobs that pay well don't want a high school dropout. So I decided to get back in school and get my high school diploma. I would like to thank all the faculty of Independence for their assistance. I would also like to tell my classmates who think school is not worth it to never give up and work hard! Good luck!"
Shelley Velez, 12/14/06
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"Independence has taught me a lot. Self-motivation and self discipline were the two things I lacked. Before I came here, the only reason I was in school was because I didn't want to be on the street because I know my mom would have put me out if I ever dropped out of school. But when I got here, I regained my focus and my motivation and here I am today."
Domonique Scott, 03/01/06
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"In a world where high school is expected to be strictly four years, the students at this school who have been at it for longer than four years may get discouraged. I have something to tell all of you, just finish. That way, nobody can say you didn't work your hardest to finish school. You'll be able to hold your head high and say 'I beat the odds and completed high school.'...Ive been to three other schools before coming here, and I've always been held down. Coming here has been like my enlightenment."
Freddie Johnson, 12/13/005
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"Independence High School has allowed me to achieve my goals in a timely manner. Independence has catered to my needs as a student, a person and an individual. My time at Independence is greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten because its effects and influences will serve me righteously throughout my lifetime."
Sarah Murphy, 04/28/06
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"For many students, Independence High School remains a lifeline. For me, this high school gave me an education and my life back ...Independence gives students an opportunity to succeed backed with the most incredible faculty that Fulton County could dream to provide. This amazing crew has given me a power that I couldn't find at my previous school - an education. Most of all, Independence is an open door. I am forever in debt for the privilege and honor of attending an institution that takes its students into first consideration."
-Matthew, 04/21/00-
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"Independence was a great experience. The class sizes are small, the learning environment is relaxed, and the teachers are caring and supportive. I'd like to thank the teachers that made my graduation possible: Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Rugg, Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Robertson and Mrs. Groves. I will never forget the moments at IHS, and they will stay in my memories forever."
- Andrew Steele, 11/08/02 -
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"Independence was a good choice for me. Independence gave me the time to finish on my own with no deadlines or stress. Working at my own pace was the best for me. I got all the help I ever needed from every teacher I had a class with, and because of the smaller class size it was possible to get the one-on-one help that I needed."
-Michael Craig, 10/26/04-
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"When I first decided to come to Independence, some of my friends discouraged me. About a month later, when I started receiving awards, they congratulated me. I thank God for making the decision of joining IHS where my work was recognized and valued."
-Paula Neves, 12/08/04-

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"Before coming to Independence, school seemed like a waste of time which resulted in only doing enough to slide by. At Independence, with the help of my teachers and counselors I have learned to push myself to do my best. Without this motivation, I would never have graduated a year early."
-Sara Murphy, 04/26/05
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"When I first came to this school, I didn't think I would walk ("Walk the Halls" for graduation), but after this victorious battle, it's only appropriate ...Independence High School gave me a place where I could find a balance on having my freedom to live and learn while still learning responsibility."
- Diana Polonsky, 08/23/02 -
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"Independence HS was an amazing experience for me. The teachers are excellent, and it is obvious that the staff truly cares about the students. The ability to work individually and at my own pace is really the highlight of my time here. The sense of accomplishment you feel after completing a course on your own is really fantastic. I'd like to thank Independence High School as a whole for providing such a wonderful environment for education."
Robert Blenis, 03/07/08
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"To my fellow students and friends: keep at it no matter how far behind you are or how far ahead; this school has taught me perseverance and integrity. No matter how close or far you are from graduation, don't give up. It's not when you get there or who you go with, it's the satisfaction of completing the first part of your lives that matters....When you finish, everything will be fine and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you did it on your own."
Mitchell Walters, 01/30/08
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"Attending IHS has motivated me to complete my final courses just in the nick of time. I was able to apply to college and start the following semester. In just a short few years, I will have a college degree. Without the help of Independence's administrators, my counselor and teachers, I may not have returned to school. My high school diploma is just the first step to success."
Eve Ware-Jones, 12/15/07
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"I loved my experience at Independence High School. I enjoyed coming in every morning and being with friendly people. I felt like I had a second family. I appreciated the teachers' advice, assistance and hard work. I felt that I was in a safe environment and I advise students to come to this school."
Omar Salem, 12/20/06
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"Thank you Independence High School faculty and staff for helping me graduate early and allowing me to pursue my career before graduation. There was nothing but positive attitudes from all my teachers and counselors. This school not only taught me academics but also how to be an independent thinker. I would especially like to thank Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Burke, Ms. Maxwell and Mrs. Coleman."
Jenny Childs, 12/21/06
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"Independence High School gave me the opportunity to make adjustments in my life for a positive change. My grades improved as well as my interest in my own education. Independence High School will leave a lasting impression in my heart."
Chante Williams, 4/17/2007
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"I was struggling with the traditional school and dropped out my senior year when I thought I might never graduate. Then I heard about Independence and with the help of some great teachers and good counseling staff I managed to finish school in only a couple of months. I appreciate everything and everyone at Independence High School and all the help from my teachers, especially Mrs Burke, who understood me when I struggled and convinced me to go on. Thanks."
Mariel Hannah, 11/08/05
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"I believe that Independence High School not only produces high school graduates, but young adults. Although Independence played a minor part in my journey to becoming independent, it left a lasting impress ion...You've all cultivated and helped me to grow as a person and realize where I belong and where I need to be."
Maxine Kao, 03/10/06
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"I came to Independence so that I would be able to balance school, work and taking care of my son. Independence has been a great move for me and allowed me to work hard so that I can build a future for myself and my son."
Angela Hunt, 01/23/06
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"Independence High School has been more than a great experience for me. Besides being the place where I finally met my goal of graduating, it is also the place where I've learned that I am capable of doing something for myself without having to have my parents or faculty telling me I have a deadline. The faculty here at Independence has surpassed my expectations. Everyone is caring and is willing to help whenever needed..."
Andrea Mora, 09/30/05
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" To be at this point is a huge accomplishment for me because for a long time, graduating high school seemed impossible. After many failures with other high schools, I found that I could call Independence my home. Thanks to the many teachers who genuinely cared about me, I am able to walk these halls. "
Heather Sumperi, 02/11/05
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"Independence was the best experience of my life. If I can graduate, everyone can do it."
-Carl Richemont, 03/25/05
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"I really don't know where to start. When I came to Independence, I had only 7 credits half way through my junior year. Someway, somehow, I'm graduating today. This school has taught me so much about life. I have learned self-discipline, how to believe in myself, and how good it feels to accomplish something that you set your mind to."
-Jenna, 10/24/03-
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"IHS was a great experience. The faculty and everybody is treating us all equal and as adults, which I didn't see in traditional school. If I knew that the school was as good as it is, I would have transferred much earlier. Even though I did not spend a lot of time here, I had a great time and would recommend to all my friends to transfer and experience what I have."
- Emil Ramic, 11/13/02 -
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"Independence is a great school. You get treated more like an adult. This school gave me more responsibility while working at my pace. If it weren't for Independence, I would still be trying to graduate. Thank you everyone at Independence High School for helping me."
- Alex Roscoe, 10/18/02 -
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"Independence was and is the best school in the world. I came here a year and a half behind my class, and now I am graduating early! I love the teachers and all of the counselors. Thank you very much for giving me encouragement and pride. I never could have done this without this school."
- Jenna, 05/22/00-
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