LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla (CBS12) — Dozens of young people connected to South Florida’s foster care system were recognized for reaching significant educational milestones during ChildNet’s annual graduation celebration, highlighting achievements that many advocates say required extraordinary perseverance.

Family members, caregivers, child advocates and community supporters gathered to honor graduates who earned high school diplomas, GEDs, vocational certifications and college degrees during the past year.

For many of the graduates, the celebration marked the culmination of years of overcoming instability, hardship and challenges often associated with growing up in foster care.

Former foster youth and child advocate Sophia Coffey encouraged graduates to recognize the significance of their accomplishments.

“Take a look around at all your peers. You guys have made it,” Coffey said. “Class of 2026, tonight we celebrate not only your accomplishments, but who you are becoming.”

See also: JAFCO Children’s Ability Center helps families of children with disabilities thrive

Among those honored was Savannah, who celebrated graduating from high school.

“I’m graduating from high school today,” she said.

Another graduate, Dior, shared plans for the future after already being accepted to the University of Central Florida.

“I already got accepted to my dream college for UCF and I’m going to be majoring in criminal justice,” he said.

ChildNet CEO Larry Rein said the graduates demonstrated resilience by reaching their goals despite facing obstacles that many of their peers may not have encountered.

“You’re likely greater and stronger than a lot of your peers and your colleagues because you’ve done it maybe with not quite the level of support that they had,” Rein said. “You’ve had to overcome things that maybe they didn’t have to. So take tremendous, tremendous pride in what you’ve done.”

Advocates say educational milestones can be especially meaningful for young people who have experienced foster care, providing a foundation for future opportunities and independence.

“The message to the graduates first is that they should be incredibly, incredibly proud of what they’ve done,” Rein said.

Several graduates took time to thank ChildNet and those who supported them along the way.

“I just want to say thank you, ChildNet, for all your support,” said graduate Yasmine.

“They’ve been a lot of help to me, so I love you guys,” Dior added.

Former foster parent Twiler Smith offered words of encouragement, reminding graduates to remain confident in their worth and potential.

“Just remember, you have one life to live,” Smith said.

“I tell all kids to say, ‘I am somebody.’ Despite being neglected, despite what has happened to me, I am somebody,” she added. “These kids rock today and they are somebody.”

ChildNet is the lead community-based care agency serving Broward and Palm Beach counties, providing services to children and families involved in the child welfare system.

The graduation ceremony served as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of the determination many foster youth demonstrate in pursuing their educational goals and building futures beyond the challenges they have faced.

For more Forever Family stories, visit foreverfamily.org in partnership with ChildNet and The Boca Raton.

Kogan & DiSalvo Personal Injury Law sponsored our forever families of the week.