Students Graduate from Goodwill Excel Center in Poplar Bluff on May 28

Poplar Bluff Adult High School to Hold First Commencement Ceremony

Poplar Bluff, MO (May 15, 2019) – MERS Goodwill announces the commencement ceremony of students from the Poplar Bluff Excel Center at 2233 North Westwood Boulevard on Tuesday, May 28 at 6 p.m. with a celebratory reception to follow. This is the first round of students to complete their high-school diploma through the Poplar Bluff Excel Center which launched this past fall.

“We’re so thrilled for these students and all that they’ve achieved through the Poplar Bluff Excel Center,” said Dave Kutchback, President and CEO of MERS Goodwill. “A vital aspect of the program is to help individuals gain workplace certifications that allow for higher wages and greater career opportunities. We can happily say that the students graduating are now in a better place to join the workforce and reach success.”

Eight students are slated to walk during the ceremony to receive their high school diploma through the Poplar Bluff Excel Center and move on to join or reenter the workforce. Students will also be graduating from the St. Louis Excel Center on May 29 and the Springfield Excel Center on May 30.

“Getting the chance to experience this group of students’ academic journey has been amazing, and we are so proud of them for completing the program,” said Blane Keel, Poplar Bluff Excel Center Director. “I can’t say how grateful I am to have been a part of these students’ lives for the past eight months, and I know each and every one of them will positively affect the Missouri workforce.”

There are approximately 500,000 people in Missouri over 21 without a high school diploma. MERS Goodwill hopes that people continue to take advantage of the Goodwill Excel Centers. Educational services are provided free of charge. Class times are flexible to accommodate people’s work schedules, and each facility has a drop-in childcare center. Those interested in applying can call 314-982-8802 or https://mersgoodwill.wpengine.com/excel-center-registration-form/. The fourth Goodwill Excel Center, located in Columbia, MO, will open this fall.

About MERS Goodwill

Celebrating 100 years, MERS Goodwill changes lives through the power of work. Its vision is a community where each individual has the opportunity to learn, work, and achieve their greatest potential. Annually serving more than 40,000 individuals, the non-profit agency operates in 75 locations serving 89 counties in the bi-state area. Revenues from 44 Goodwill stores assist with funding MERS Goodwill job training and employment services. MERS Goodwill is a proud member of the United Way. For more information about MERS Goodwill or to find a Goodwill donation center near you, call 314-241-3464 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.