Excel Center holds first graduation

Chris Ross shows his excitement about being a graduate of the Poplar Bluff Excel Center. (DAR/Amber Hornbeck)

James Evans walks in the processional Tuesday night. (DAR/Amber Hornbeck)

Shelby Hamiton is emotional as she addresses her fellow graduates during commencement Tuesday night. (DAR/Amber Hornbeck)

Erin Carbin is all smiles as she makes her way through the processional during the Excel Center graduation ceremony Tuesday night. (DAR/Amber Hornbeck)

Excel Center graduates shown during their commencement ceremony Tuesday night, including from left, Shelby Hamilton, Thomas McIrvin, Thomas Hayes, Kimberly Morgan, Jasmine Roberts and Chris Ross. (DAR/Amber Hornbeck)

Thomas McIrvin walks in the processional Tuesday night. (DAR/Amber Hornbeck)

Thomas Hayes walks during the processional Tuesday night. (DAR/Amber Hornbeck)

Kimberly Morgan walks in the processional Tuesday night. (DAR/Amber Hornbeck)

Jasmine Roberts walks during the processional Tuesday night. (DAR/Amber Hornbeck)

Chris Ross hugs his "second mom", Lisa Wright, as his sister, Elois Vincent looks on during the Excel Center graduation ceremony in Poplar Bluff on Tuesday night. (DAR/Amber Hornbeck)

MERS Goodwill Industries President and CEO Dave Kutchback speaks during a graduation ceremony Tuesday night, telling the new graduates he was "thrilled for these students and all they've achieved." (DAR/Amber Hornbeck)