25TH Graduating Class of Phoenix Academy of New York Prepped for a Drug-Free Future
WESTCHESTER, NY, June 26, 2007 – In an emotional ceremony, 31 students who had not previously been expected to graduate received their high school diplomas at the Phoenix Academy of New York today. An innovative partnership between Phoenix House and the NYC Department of Education, the Academy provides a safe and supportive environment where teens struggling with substance abuse can get the treatment they need while getting back on track socially, emotionally, and academically. Prior to coming to the Academy, many of the graduates had either dropped out of school or were performing well below grade level.
“For most of us this is a dream come true. We never thought we would graduate,” said salutatorian Michael Vasquez, who came to Phoenix House after a guidance counselor announced that he would not graduate from high school. “I didn’t believe him, I had 36 credits but I was failing every class. My addiction was more important to me than attending school.” Today Vasquez is looking forward to a building a career in the culinary arts.
“This is one of the few places within New York State where teenagers can triumph over substance abuse and improve their education,” said Phoenix Academy Managing Director Linda Kersey. “While the performance of our students would be impressive even in a traditional high school, we believe that it represents an especially significant achievement because many of our students have such large gaps in their educational background.”
Founded 25 years ago as a partnership between Phoenix House and the NYC Department of Education, the Phoenix Academy of New York in Westchester is a fully accredited residential high school offering comprehensive substance abuse treatment. Phoenix House operates 11 Academies across the country.
The RAND Corporation, one of the nation’s most trusted research organizations, has confirmed the effectiveness of Phoenix House’s treatment for teens. A study by RAND, published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, found that teens in treatment at a Phoenix Academy demonstrated substantial reductions in drug use and improvement in psychological well-being – and that the Phoenix Academy outperformed other adolescent programs in these areas.
Phoenix House is the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of substance abuse treatment and prevention services, operating more than 100 programs in nine states. Founded in 1967, Phoenix House currently cares for a population of nearly 5,000 at residential centers for adults and adolescents, as well as outpatient, after school, and day programs.
Media Contact:
Karen Sodomick
(646) 505-2093