Palm Springs, FL (July 29, 2026) — Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach celebrated a milestone of resilience, perseverance, and new beginnings during its annual graduation ceremony, honoring graduates Zion T. and Delilah A., who earned their high school diplomas at Palm Beach County’s only gender-responsive, second-chance school.
Families, caregivers, community partners, and supporters gathered to recognize the graduates’ achievements and the impact of Pace’s academic and counseling programs, which help girls overcome challenges and build brighter futures. Pace Palm Beach serves middle and high school girls ages 11-17 across the School District of Palm Beach County, providing year-round academics, behavioral health support, counseling, and life skills development at no cost.
“To our graduates, never let where you started determine where you are going. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and we couldn’t be prouder of all you’ve accomplished,” said Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach. “These young women have worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone. While the journey hasn’t always been easy, they have demonstrated determination, perseverance, and resilience. We are deeply grateful to our community partners, including Office Depot and State Farm Insurance, the School District of Palm Beach County, our inspiring speakers, and the parents and caregivers who entrusted us with supporting these girls on their journey.”
Florida State Representative Debra Tendrich, who represents District 89, congratulated Zion T. and Delilah A. during the ceremony, recognizing their perseverance and accomplishments while encouraging them to pursue their goals with confidence. Tendrich also spoke to the importance of expanding educational opportunities and supporting programs like Pace that empower girls and young women to reach their full potential.
The ceremony featured an inspiring keynote testimony, “From Homelessness to Happiness,” by Nona Gladys McKinney, a Palm Beach County life coach who shared her journey from homelessness to earning her high school equivalency diploma at age 49. Currently, McKinney is a college student who encourages others to pursue education despite life’s challenges.
To celebrate the occasion, Office Depot donated new laptops to the graduates to support their continued education, and State Farm Insurance awarded a continuing education scholarship to help them pursue their academic goals.
Pace believes that every girl deserves a future filled with opportunity, respect, and the ability to pursue her dreams. Through a girl-centered, trauma-informed model, Pace equips girls with the academic, emotional, and practical life skills they need to thrive. Graduation serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when young women are supported by caring educators, families, and the community.
For more information about Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach or ways to get involved, visit www.pacecenter.org
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About Pace Center for Girls
Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and educational needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org.
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