Crispus Attucks YouthBuild Charter School Celebrates the Class of 2026!
YORK, PA — On May 29, 2026, Crispus Attucks York YouthBuild Charter School proudly celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its annual Graduation Ceremony. Surrounded by family members, friends, staff, board members, community leaders, and supporters, graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and begin the next chapter of their lives.
The evening was a celebration of perseverance, determination, and achievement. For many scholars, the journey to graduation was not always easy. Yet through hard work, resilience, and the support of the Crispus Attucks York family, they reached one of life’s most important milestones.
The ceremony carried additional significance as Crispus Attucks York continues to celebrate its 95th Anniversary, marking nearly a century of empowering individuals, strengthening families, and creating opportunities throughout the York community.
A Message of Resilience and Purpose
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Mr. Joshua Santiago, Vice President of the Crispus Attucks York Board of Trustees, filmmaker, community advocate, and proud York native.
Santiago’s connection to Crispus Attucks York runs deep. As a child, he attended daycare at Crispus Attucks. Years later, he returned to work with the charter school and now serves as Vice President of the Board of Trustees, helping guide the organization’s mission and future growth.
Growing up on York City’s east side, Santiago spoke candidly about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way. His message resonated deeply with graduates because it came from someone who understood many of the same struggles and experiences they have encountered.
“Where you’re from does not define how far you can go,” Santiago told graduates. “It builds you. It gives you something a lot of people don’t have, and that’s resilience.”
Drawing from his own journey as a filmmaker and entrepreneur, Santiago encouraged graduates to remain committed to their goals even when the road ahead becomes difficult.
“You can quit or you can keep going,” he said. “Standing here as someone who chose to keep going, even when it didn’t make sense, I can tell you that perseverance makes all the difference.”
He shared how pursuing a career in filmmaking often meant facing uncertainty, rejection, and self-doubt. Despite those challenges, he continued creating, believing in himself, and pursuing his vision. That commitment eventually led to opportunities for his work to be seen by audiences across the country and to securing major distribution opportunities.
“Growth is uncomfortable. Success is uncomfortable. Being someone you’ve never been before is uncomfortable. But that’s where everything you want lives—on the other side of discomfort.”
Santiago concluded by encouraging graduates to never forget where they came from and to use their success to inspire others.
“Dream big. Work hard. Stay true to who you are. Never, ever give up on yourself.”
His message received a standing ovation and left a lasting impression on graduates, families, staff, and community members alike.
A Message from CEO Jacqueline Martino-Miller
Following the keynote address, Jacqueline Martino-Miller, CEO of Crispus Attucks York YouthBuild Charter School, delivered heartfelt remarks celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 while recognizing the many individuals who helped make the evening possible.
Martino-Miller reminded those in attendance that graduation is not only a celebration of academic achievement, but also a reflection of the collective support that surrounds each scholar.
“It takes a village to raise all of us,” she shared, recognizing parents, grandparents, guardians, faculty, staff, board members, alumni, and community partners whose encouragement and dedication helped scholars reach this important milestone.
She also took a moment to recognize Robert “Bobby” Simpson, President and CEO of Crispus Attucks York, whose leadership has guided the organization for decades and whose vision continues to impact lives throughout the York community.
“Thank you, Mr. Simpson,” she said, acknowledging his commitment to ensuring scholars graduate with not only a high school diploma, but also workforce certifications, career pathways, and opportunities for long-term success. During this special 95th Anniversary year, Martino-Miller reflected on how his leadership continues to strengthen the mission of Crispus Attucks York and create opportunities for future generations.
She went on to recognize the families in attendance, thanking them for their sacrifices, support, and unwavering belief in the graduates. She also invited parents, grandparents, and guardians to stand and be recognized for the vital role they played in helping scholars achieve their goals.
Martino-Miller then turned her attention to the faculty and staff, expressing gratitude for their commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment.
“Thank you for always going above and beyond,” she said. “I am incredibly proud and grateful to work alongside such an exceptional team.”
“Let your smile reflect the power within you. Let your presence remind the world that you are ready.”
She emphasized that each graduate represents the values of strength, commitment, community, and excellence, and encouraged them to continue striving toward their goals while remaining connected to the people who helped them along the way.
In one of the evening’s most heartfelt moments, Martino-Miller addressed the graduates directly:
“We celebrate you. We honor you. And we believe in all that you are destined to become.”
She concluded with a message that drew applause from the audience and captured the spirit of the evening:
“Scholars, we love you. Continue to walk in your greatness.”
Her words served as a powerful reminder that the journey does not end with graduation. Rather, it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity, purpose, and endless possibility.
Celebrating Achievement
Throughout the evening, scholars were recognized for outstanding accomplishments in academics, attendance, leadership, workforce development, career certifications, bilingual achievement, and community service.
Among the recognitions presented were AmeriCorps Awards, HBI PACT Pre-Apprenticeship Certifications, Welding and Automotive Certifications, Global Seal of Biliteracy Awards, Attendance Awards, Leadership Awards, Perseverance Awards, Keys of Success Awards, the Warren Moody Impact Award, and numerous other honors.
A significant achievement celebrated during the ceremony was that every graduating scholar successfully completed the HBI PACT Pre-Apprenticeship Program, providing them with nationally recognized workforce credentials and valuable career readiness skills.
A Special Father-and-Son Moment
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came during the presentation of the Crispus Attucks York YouthBuild Charter School Alumni Hall of Fame Award.
This year’s honoree, Blain Simpson, Sr., was recognized for his leadership, community involvement, and continued commitment to service following his time at Crispus Attucks York.
Making the recognition even more meaningful, the award was presented by his son, Blain Simpson III, a proud member of the Class of 2026.
The father-and-son presentation highlighted the lasting impact of the Crispus Attucks York family and demonstrated how one generation can inspire the next. The moment served as a powerful reminder that the legacy of Crispus Attucks York extends far beyond graduation day.
Valedictorian Inspires Classmates
Valedictorian Sarah Castillo delivered a heartfelt and inspiring address that reflected both her personal journey and the collective experience of her classmates.
Castillo shared that her path to becoming valedictorian was not a straight line. She openly spoke about academic struggles and setbacks, reminding her classmates that failure does not determine a person’s future.
“I came from failing two years in a row to being a valedictorian,” Castillo said.
Her message encouraged graduates to continue believing in themselves, even during difficult times.
“This is proof that you can do this. We can all make it. You need to try your best and do your best.”
Castillo also challenged her classmates to embrace unity and support one another in a world often divided by conflict and differences.
“We are all one,” she said. “No one can do this by themselves. We need each other.”
She concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the faculty and staff who supported the graduates throughout their journey, recognizing their dedication to helping scholars succeed and creating opportunities for future generations.
Looking Toward the Future
As diplomas were presented and the Class of 2026 officially graduated, the atmosphere was filled with pride, excitement, and hope for the future.
The evening served as a reminder that success is not defined by where a person begins, but by the determination to continue moving forward despite obstacles and challenges.
The scholars of the Class of 2026 leave Crispus Attucks York YouthBuild Charter School equipped with knowledge, workforce credentials, leadership skills, and the confidence to pursue their dreams.
Crispus Attucks York proudly congratulates the Class of 2026 and looks forward to seeing the positive impact these graduates will make throughout York County and beyond.
Class of 2026, continue to walk in your greatness. Your future is bright, and your journey is just beginning.
