Fortune Academy Alumni Stories

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI - 2022

“I don’t believe I have the ability to graduate. I just don’t think I will make it through high school. If I told my 3rd-grade self of everything I would accomplish, I would have to call myself a liar. My younger self would have never imagined it possible, me standing in front of you, receiving this diploma.

I was scared to go to Fortune Academy because I thought it would be just like public school. That you would be tested for only how good your ability is, and teased for learning disabilities, to be left in the corner as if something was wrong with you, as if you tried everything you could, but still were unable to be fixed.

Oh boy did I get that wrong. I came to Fortune and made friends, memories and the achievements I earned would have never been possible without that small decision just to say “YES” to Fortune Academy.”

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI - 2023

“I am going to be honest with you, I do not see you walking up on that stage and graduating from high school.” Those were the words of my 8th-grade teacher, Mrs. Smallsy. If you don’t know me, I have severe Dyslexia which makes reading extremely challenging. But the words of this teacher stuck with me, and when I heard those words, to be honest, I believed them. But I used those words to motivate me to prove her and everyone wrong. My parents have been advocates for me all along, and once I arrived at Fortune Academy, I found a whole group of teachers who supported me. They helped me figure out what accommodations I needed and how to use those accommodations and helped me learn to navigate on my own by advocating for myself. My parents, my teachers, family, and friends, because of you, I am happy to be standing here on stage tonight, a graduate of Fortune Academy

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI - 2023

“To me, this means, that in order to be optimistic, you have to have gratitude. And gratitude is why I am here tonight. Three years ago, I had never heard of Fortune Academy or even considered what it might be like at a different school. I started my high school career at Zionsville Community High School and most of the time it was stressful. I really had no idea I had a problem with reading comprehension. I just thought it was hard…hard to read…hard to write. I started to hate school and not feel good about my grades or myself. But at Fortune, this all changed. I learned strategies to help me remember what I read. I was taught how to write in a way that made sense. I learned that I actually didn’t hate school. I have my Fortune Academy teachers to thank for that. They helped me grow into a confident person, and that’s the stuff they don’t always teach in class. My teachers helped me learn how to put all the pieces of learning together so that I could do something with them, like give this speech. Thank you to my family who supported me, and to all those along the way who have shown up to support me.”

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI

"Fortune Academy taught me more than just reading. They taught me how to cope with my learning difference, and view my dyslexia as a blessing. Because of Fortune Academy, I have also learned to advocate for myself. I never realized how much Fortune Academy would affect my life in a positive manner until I went out on my own."

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI

"I feel that the teachers there are more than 100% dedicated to the students and it really shows. There is no better feeling as a student than knowing that the instructor genuinely cares about how well you are doing. I will forever be grateful to Fortune Academy for the work they have done in shaping who I am today."

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI

"The biggest impact that Fortune Academy taught me in and out of school and how to advocate for myself. The teachers at Fortune are some of the most passionate and loving teachers I have ever had. They understood that I learned differently and taught me in a way that made sense to me. They all truly love their jobs and every single one of them had made an impact on my life."

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI

"Fortune Academy gave me the tools I needed to succeed in life. They made me feel like even though other schools didn't work for me that it wasn't time to give up. All of the teachers and staff at Fortune Academy were always there to help and show me that I was able to be successful in life. I can never thank everybody there enough for changing my life."

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI

"My teachers were there to support me though out all my hardships, no matter how big or small. I learned how to advocate for myself throughout the years as well. The teachers there have a loving passion for their students and are eager to do everything in their power to make all students successful. They are the ones that make it all happen and help students understand subjects to the fullest."

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI

"If I had to think about the moments in my life that had the biggest impact on my past, present, and future, Fortune Academy has to be in the top 3 and probably number 1 overall. I owe the world to Fortune Academy. Without attending I do not know where I would be today, but I certainly would not be anywhere near as successful in my career and would not be as self sufficient as I am now.”

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI

"The teachers and staff at Fortune Academy met me where I was as a learner and a human being. They took the time to understand who I was and how I learned. The greatest gift I received was the gift of confidence, which has followed me through the rest of my life. In addition, I learned how to be an advocate for myself – how to be successful."

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI

"Throughout my time at Fortune my teachers were always caring and supportive, and really gave me the tools to accomplish my academic goals. My personality also blossomed as my confidence grew. Because of The Fortune Academy, I was able to succeed in high school, and eventually go off to college. I am now an accounting major at Valparaiso University, and I am excited about my future. I have no doubt I would not be where I am today without the help of Fortune Academy and all of its amazing teachers!"

FORTUNE ACADEMY ALUMNI 2017

“Currently, I’m in my senior year of college at Indiana Wesleyan University, studying Studio Art with a concentration in painting. I graduate in April with honors (Cum Laude). I’m soaking up my final moments of college while also completing pieces for my senior art show. I’m still in disbelief that I’m graduating from college soon. Without Fortune, that would not have been possible. Thank you, Fortune for giving me the tools to succeed, always believing in me, and helping me realize my talents in art.”