“Before coming to Fortune, I felt like an outsider—a place where I never truly belonged. But at Fortune, everything was new: a new state, new school, new friends, but the same old me, still grappling with dyslexia and shyness. Fortune became more than just a school—it became a place where I found myself. Here, I made true friends who understood me. The impact of Fortune extends beyond friendships. My teachers became more than instructors—they became mentors and friends. From volleyball to late-night algebra sessions, the support I received was incredible. My coach and teacher showed me that even the hardest challenges could be tackled together. And Mr. O, your tough love pushed me further than I thought possible, preparing me for the next chapter at Ball State. Fortune Academy is where I found my voice, my confidence, and a sense of belonging I never knew I could have. I’ll carry these memories and lessons with me for the rest of my life, and I’ll always be grateful for the impact Fortune has had on me."

"She needed a hero, so that is who she became.” These words, shared by my grandmother, have served to remind me that to help others, I first needed to help myself.

Over the years, I’ve received a lot of help. My family moved from Ohio to Indiana, living in a pop-up camper for 11 weeks, all because they believed Fortune was the best place for me. Fortune Academy transformed my life. When I came here, I was really shy, but through my experiences at Fortune —plays, volleyball, kind, supportive teachers—I found my voice and my confidence. I wasn’t just a student; I was part of a community that believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself.

Fortune gave me the strength to step out of my comfort zone, discover my passions, and face challenges head-on, for that, I will always be deeply grateful.”

“The teachers at Fortune truly cared about me and took the time to understand me, something I had never experienced before. Speaking has always been a challenge for me, and it used to be debilitating. I avoided talking as much as possible. At Fortune, I slowly improved, and this gave me more confidence to speak. Today, I rarely struggle with my speech, and I now have strategies that help me.

Beyond the classroom, I found a sense of belonging through cross-country, track, and special experiences like J-Term and my Vet Tech class. These opportunities, along with the kind, fun, challenging, and supportive teachers, have helped me grow in ways I never thought possible.

Fortune Academy wasn’t just a school; it was a place where I learned to believe in myself and I’ll always be grateful for Fortune Academy."

“Fortune was more than just a school—it became a place where I felt truly understood and supported. I’ll never forget the warmth and care I received from my teachers, like the big hugs from Mrs. Wente that made me feel instantly at home. Fortune provided the stability I needed. The routine here wasn’t just a schedule; it was a source of comfort that helped me navigate each day with confidence. Fortune’s supportive environment allowed me to focus, grow, and discover who I am. I found myself in the quiet moments, in the classrooms, and in the relationships I built with my teachers and classmates. The familiarity, the people, and the sense of belonging are things I will always cherish. I will miss Fortune deeply—the teachers who guided me, the friends I made, and the everyday moments that made this place feel like home. Fortune Academy has shaped me in ways I never expected, and I’m forever grateful for the impact it has had on my life. I’ll carry these memories and lessons with me always."