For Marcus Ward, the path to high school graduation wasn’t just about earning a diploma—it was about growing into the kind of person who knows what he wants and how to go after it. With six siblings and a strong drive to work and explore life on his own terms, Marcus made the bold decision to graduate early. “I wasn’t planning on graduating early,” he says. “But I realized I had everything I needed, and I wanted to work.”

With help from school counselors, his principal, and the encouragement of CISGG, dedicated to helping at-risk students succeed, Marcus carved out a unique trajectory that balanced real-world goals with academic achievement.

Throughout high school, he credits his mentor, Mr. Antwyan Jones, with being more than a guide—he was “like family.”

“Mr. Antwyan doesn’t feel like a mentor,” Marcus explains. “He feels like a family member. He never forced anything on me, but he always made sure I was working toward something. He really cared—about my interests, my life, how I was doing in general.”

Marcus met with his mentor regularly throughout high school—especially in the early years—and those check-ins made a lasting impact. Whether talking about school, basketball, or just life, Mr. Jones showed interest in Marcus’ passions, encouraging him to pursue what felt meaningful. “If I told him I played basketball, he’d ask how it went. He was genuinely interested. That kind of attention sticks with you.”

Now a graduate, Marcus is exploring his options. He’s planning to attend GTCC (Guilford Technical Community College) to learn a trade—an opportunity he believes could open doors he hasn’t imagined yet. “I want to work first, get some money in my pocket,” he says. “But I also want to learn a skill. You never know what might spark something new.”

Although real estate runs in the family—his grandfather owns a company—Marcus is still deciding what path is right for him. “I’ve seen how tired my grandfather is. I don’t know if that’s what I want for my future,” he reflects.

What he does know is that he loves science, particularly the never-ending nature of discovery. “Math and reading feel like there’s a cutoff point. But science? There’s always something new. That’s what I love about it.”

Marcus’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t look the same for every student. With the right support, self-awareness, and curiosity, young people can forge paths that are uniquely their own—grounded in possibility and propelled by people who believe in them.

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